T016 - Kiku Sukashi 菊透

Tsuba Maru Gata (Round shape) with Kiku Sukashi design (菊透), openings in the shape of Chrysanthemum, rounded border Maru Mimi, with a Kozuka and Kogai Ana.

• Material: Iron, smoked black finish
• Dimensions: 81 mm x 80 mm x 4.5 mm
• Weight: 72 g

This Tsuba with chrysanthemum flower pattern is one of the most popular among the Japanese. As its petals form radially, it is linked to the sun.
Chrysanthemum symbolizes eternal youth, longevity or good health.
The 16-petal chrysanthemums (which is not the case here) is reserved for the imperial family of Japan.
The chrysanthemum has long been considered an elixir of immortality and became an imperial emblem in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when the Go-Toba emperor took a liking for chrysanthemums and used them as his personal seal.