Kawari Gata (変 り 形, Irregular) shape tsuba. Design of Sakura Hana (桜 花, Cherry Blossom), in Sukashi (透), opening. Maru Mimi rounded edge.

• Height: 72 mm
• Width: 82 mm
• Thickness: 4.5 mm
• Weight: 60 g

This Tsuba is a replica of a Tsuba made by the Shodai Hayashi Matashichi from the Owari province who moved to Kumamoto, Higo Province, having worked for Japan.
Sakura flowers symbolize the ephemeral side of life, and its beauty.
Blooming all over Japan during March, it announces the arrival of spring.

The spectacular blossoming of Sakura flowers is very appreciated by the Japanese and is part of this period "Hanami", the contemplation of flowers. Their sudden flowering lasts only two weeks, bringing a feeling of dynamism and vitality. The flying of the petals carried by the wind announces the end of this event.
With its short lifespan and the beauty of this phenomenon, the Sakura flower is also a parallel to the life of samurai and bushi, refined but ephemeral, reminding us that existence is short, especially for its warriors whose lives could suddenly stop in battle. This image joins a very old aesthetic and spiritual concept in Japan, the 'Mono No Aware', which could be interpreted as 'Empathy towards things' or even 'sensitivity for ephemerality'.