MC15 - Tachibana 橘

Menuki with a Mandarin flower motif on a Sankozuka, double-edged ritual blade.

Menuki Omote: Length 48mm, Width 12mm, height 3mm

Menuki Ura: Length 48mm, Width 12mm, height 3mm

This menuki represents a flower of Mandarin tree crossed by a Sankozuka Ken 三鈷柄剣.
The Sankozuka Ken is a double-edged Buddhist sword used during rituals. With the strength of diamond and the power of lightning, it would drive away demons. It is also the sword of the deity Fudo-Myo 不動明王.
The Tachibana, mandarin tree, is like the Ginkgo a species coming from China and introduced to Japan 2000 years ago. Referring to a very ancient Japanese aristocratic lineage from the Nara period, it is one of the most used heraldic symbols in Japan. The tachibana is therefore a symbol of longevity and traditions. It is said that the taste of tangerine makes you nostalgic for ancient times.