T002 - Kasuga Muji 春日 無地

Mokko Gata (quadrilobed) shape tsuba, Maru Mimi (rounded) border, Kogai and Kozuka Ana in sukashi opening with pine motif.

• Material: Iron, smoked black finish
• Dimensions: 80 mm x 72 mm x 4.5 mm
• Weight: 106 g

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.