Kasuga Tsuba with Ginkgo Zogan design 銀杏象嵌.
Mokko Gata (quadrilobate), Maru Mimi border (rounded), Kogai and Kozuka Ana in sukashi opening with pine motif.

• Material: Iron, smoked black finish, silver leaf inlay
• Dimensions: 84 mm x 76 mm x 4.5 mm
• Weight: 140 g

Silver inlay (Zogan) of the Ginkgo leaf symbol 銀杏. This tree, having crossed the millennia is a symbol of growth, prosperity, tranquility and longevity.
Given its longevity, the Ginkgo is often associated with the character of immortality and resistance, which gave a symbol of loyalty that they specifically represented on the Tsuba in the Edo period.
Following the (atomic) bombing of Hiroshima, the Ginkgo was the only tree to have resisted and reflowered afterwards. Studies show that it has a strong capacity for regeneration. It subsequently became a symbol of peace, resilience, and healing.
Finally, since 1989, the Ginkgo has been the symbol of the city of Tokyo.

The pine motif at the opening represents the 'Yogo No Matsu' (影向の松), a sacred pine of the Kasuga temple.
Legend has it that the deities of Kasuga Shrine descend to earth via this pine tree. During the annual Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri festival, ancient dances, performances, and ceremonies take place before this sacred tree. This tree was used as an example for the backdrop decorations (Kagami-ita) of Noh theaters throughout Japan.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine 春日大社 is a Shinto shrine in Nara City, built in 768. Legend has it that the god of thunder, Takemikazuchi, appeared on a white deer and advised the Fujiwara family to build this shrine. It became the titular shrine of the Fujiwara family, one of the most powerful historical families in Japan along with the Taira, Minamoto, and Tachibana.