Antique Japanese Katana Nozarashi, Skull Tsuba with NBTHK Certificate

$3,750.00

Large Iron Katana Tsuba with Skull Motif

Symbolising the impermanance of life.

In Japanese, “Nozarashi” (野晒し) means “weather-beaten” or “exposed in the field”,referring to something that has been left out in the open and worn away by the elements, such as bones left exposed in a field. The word is a compound of 野 (no), meaning field or plain, and 晒 (sarashi), meaning something bleached or exposed to the sun. 

Meaning:
  • 野 (no) (Field/Plain): This kanji refers to a rustic, open field or plain. 
  • 晒 (sarashi/zarashi)(Bleached/Exposed): This kanji means to be exposed to the sun, to be bleached, or generally to be left open to the elements. 
Together, these kanji create a vivid image of something—often bones or a worn-out object—left to endure the harsh conditions of the open outdoors, becoming weathered and toughened by the process.