| Japan, a small island country that has a lot to offer in | | | | protection for the hands of its wielder. You are |
| this age of technology and progress, has found one | | | | probably wondering why this is now a decorative |
| more way to improve our lives through its history | | | | item. |
| and legacy. The beauty of this culture cannot be put | | | | Each piece of Japanese jewelry is designed according |
| into words and the uniqueness of its legacy is | | | | to the period of time in which it was created. While |
| breathtaking. | | | | the times of war implied that the tsuba was to be |
| There are lots of things that come from Japan which | | | | crafted from hard materials for protection, the times |
| are renowned around the world. Haiku poetry, small | | | | of peace brought out the decorative side from this |
| poems that describe a unique moment in the | | | | once functional and brutal item. |
| author’s life, has been offered to us by Matsuo | | | | Therefore lots of interesting Japanese jewelry items |
| Basho, a renowned poet from the Edo period of | | | | were developed. Some designs of a tsuba include |
| Japanese history. | | | | insects like ants, which implies diligence and |
| What makes Haiku poetry so special is the difference | | | | communication, others include cranes, that mean |
| between it and other forms of poetry. The use of | | | | longevity and fidelity, but most of them have a |
| metaphors and other methods of filling a text with | | | | meaning hidden at first glance. |
| imagery are completely absent, making the reader | | | | Apart from the tsuba, another item can be found |
| feel like he is in the exact place of the author. In | | | | represented in Japanese jewelry and that is the Torii |
| order to honor the memory of Matsuo Basho, one of | | | | gate. Basically a Torii gate is formed of two supports |
| the greatest Japanese symbols has been dedicated | | | | and two crossbars at the top and it can be found at |
| to him and named Basho’s tsuba. | | | | the entrance of a shrine for Shinto believers. |
| This tsuba is a piece of Japanese jewelry that | | | | The symbolic implication of the Torii gate is that of |
| commemorates the first writing of a poem by | | | | purification and sanctification, along with washing the |
| Matsuo. He achieved this at the age of 18, after he | | | | hands and mouth with water, on the way to pray. |
| was asked by one of the Zen teachers about his | | | | This stands as inspiration to a piece of Japanese |
| state of consciousness, to which he responded in his | | | | jewelry called the Shinto ring. |
| characteristic way. | | | | Jewelry pieces are often used to represent the |
| There are many forms of tsuba that can be held as | | | | wearers and what they cherish most. Owning a piece |
| important and illustrious pieces of Japanese jewelry. If | | | | that does more than that is something which can be |
| you don’t know what a tsuba is, think about the | | | | done through the purchase of a piece of jewelry |
| samurai swords the shape of which is probably very | | | | from a designer that holds meaning and powers at a |
| familiar to you. The tsuba is the small square or round | | | | level that cannot be matched. |
| shape that was used on samurai swords as | | | | |