A cherry blossom (Sakura) pattern from the Higo region.

• Material: Brass, Gilt copper finish with gold plating on Gilt Ibushi
• Fuchi (縁) Dimensions: 41 mm long, 24 mm wide, 10.5 mm high
• Kashira (頭) Dimensions: 36.5 mm long, 18.5 mm wide, 14 mm high

Sakura flowers symbolize the ephemeral side of life, and its beauty.
Blooming throughout Japan this March, it heralds the arrival of spring.

The spectacular blossoming of Sakura flowers is very appreciated by the Japanese and is part of this period "Hanami", the contemplation of flowers. Their sudden flowering lasts only two weeks, bringing a feeling of dynamism and vitality. The flying of the petals carried by the wind announces the end of this event.
The short life span and beauty of this phenomenon make the Sakura flower a parallel to the lives of refined but ephemeral samurai and bushi, reminding us that our lives are short, especially for its warriors whose lives could be suddenly interrupted by combat. This image is in line with a very old aesthetic and spiritual concept in Japan, the 'Mono No Aware', which could be interpreted as 'Empathy towards things' or 'sensitivity for ephemerality'.