Mumei, Edo Period, 17th CenturyIron, 8.1 x 7.9 x 0.5 cmNBTHK Hozon Tōsogu Specifications: Tatemarugata, tetsu-ji, ji-sukashi, kebori, kaku-mimi ko-niku The pierced design shows an omodaka plant among canes and a wild goose flying.Sagittaria water plantain (omodaka) first appeared as a design for tsuba in the Heian period. From such early beginnings, this decorative plant has shared a long history with the samurai. Also known as “shogun’s grass” (shogunso), it was held in high esteem as a symbol of victory.The tsuba comes with a Hozon Tōsogu certificate (fitting...