The tsuba depicts a takarabune (Treasure Ship). During thefirst three days of the New Year the Seven Lucky Gods are said to pilot throughthe heavens and into human ports a mythical ship called the Takarabune, or"Treasure Ship". The gods carry with them takaramono or treasurethings, including the hat of invisibility, rolls of brocade, the inexhaustiblepurse, the secret keys to the treasure shed of the gods, the scrolls of booksof wisdom and life, the magic mallet, the lucky raincoat, the robe of fairyfeathers, and the bag of fortune. On this tsuba it seems there are three of thelucky gods - Ebisu (with his mallet), Benten and Bishamonten (standing withspear). The calligraphy on the sail simply says ’treasure’. In the sea is aminogame (long hairy tailed turtle) a symbol of longevity.

The subject on the fuchi is not related to the tsuba. Itis a rowing boat moored up on the banks of a lake, with the paddle protruding.No doubt the kashira (pommel) would have had similar decoration.

Meiji period

Tsuba height: 2¾ inches / 7 cm
Tsuba width: 2½ inches / 6.3 cm