Tsuba Nagai Maru Gata (oval shape) in the design of Sanbiki Usagi (3 rabbits - 三 匹 兎), straight edge rounded Maru Mimi, with a Kozuka and Kogai Ana.

• Material: Iron, smoked black finish
• Dimensions: 72 mm x 69 mm x 5 mm
• Weight: 102 g

This Tsuba has a design of 3 hares.
Rabbits and hares have many meanings in Japanese folklore, it is above all the messenger of the gods. It is attributed to devotion, sacrifice, but also success, longevity and prosperity.

A legend would have it that three rabbits are hidden in the sculptures behind the main sanctuary of the Kumano Taisha sanctuary 熊野大社, Yamagata prefecture. It is not known exactly since when, but it is said that if a person finds the three rabbits, their love or wishes will come true and they will be happy.
It is also mentioned that one should never say the location of the 3rd rabbit, at the risk of seeing their wishes not granted.

The representation of three hares in a circle dates back several thousand years. The oldest murals date from the 7th century, in sanctuary caves in China. Chinese researchers attribute this motif to an auspicious sign, representing peace and tranquility.