Hamidashi tsuba with a picture of blooming Japanese plum - ume. The trunk and branches are carved in high relief, the flower and buds are inlaid with silver and brass.
Ume has been brought to Japan from China through Korean peninsula in the 8th century.
The ume tree blooms before all the others, while the snow is still on the ground.
That is why it often symbolize courage and firmness.
Besides, Japanese tradition holds that the ume functions as a protective charm against evil.
Ume is the symbol of winter in Shikunshi, and one of the Shōchikubai, associated with youth, renewal and beauty.
Hamidashi.
No inscription. Aizu Shoami.
Age - Edo.
Iron, iroe zogan with silver and brass. The tree trunk is made using taka bori.
Nagamaru gata, kaku mimi koniku; 5,3 х 3,7 x 0,4 cm.
eda ume zu tetsu ji nagamaru gata iroe zogan kaku mimi koniku
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