Tsuba (1) - Hierro forjado - sombrero de juncia - Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword (T-239) - Japón - Periodo Edo tardío

Nade-Kaku-Gata Tsuba. The sedge hat pattern is carved at the four corners.

Nowadays, umbrellas are more familiar, and sedge hats are not often seen. However, in old picture scrolls or Ukiyo-e (picture of the floating world), we find many figures of people wearing these hats. It is said sedge hats have been used since the Heian period (794-1185). It was mainly women who wear it in those days; therefore, the sedge hat represented ladies.

There is a "Takara-Dukushi" pattern in traditional Japanese designs, which is the combination of various treasures. "Kakure-Mino" is one of those motifs; this hat is a tool to hide the user's shape. People believed it would protect them from misfortunes. Also, it is considered that Gods used sedge hats to hide them. Even today, there are some regions where people dance wearing this type of hat. They think Gods possess by wearing hats, and it shows figures of Gods who dance and bless.