Gangi-maki Tsuka

Very interesting tsuka wrapped in a characteristic style known as Gangi-maki (雁木巻). The style is characterized by an overlapping wrap with no recesses, and ridges along each braid cross-over.   This results in a ribbed-appearance, and in theory permitted better grip control.  It is often thought of as a 'battle wrap'.  This example is a variant, with a series of windows being opened at the front and back of the tsuka, through which we see the same.  In this case, the cord is made of leather, and has been lacquered red and then black.  This gives a lovely and rich depth of color to the wrapping, as we see the interplay of both colors.  The menuki are brass, in the form of dragons wrapped around ken swords. The kashira is horn, and the fuchi is iron with brass inlay.

Interestingly, this wrapping style is occasionally called Musashi-maki (武蔵巻). The term Musashi-maki stems from the belief that Miyamoto Musashi preferred this wrapping style, utilizing it on his personal weapons.  As with everything Musashi, it is hard to draw divides between fact and fantasy, so I'm sticking with the less dramatic Gangi-maki. Lets also recognize that this style dates back at least to the Heian period, thus pre-dating our favourite swordsman by centuries. 

I highly recommend this tsuka for your collection.  It is very rare to find this style of wrapping in such excellent preservation, in an  attractive length and interesting lacquer color. 

Measurements: Overall length 23cm

 Edo Period (江戸時代)

$1,900