Goshuin-cho (Chiku-Rin Neko Tsunagi-Mon Nishiki)

Design of this brocade is originated from a pattern drawn on the "Kin-ji-raden-kenuki-gata-tachi" ("Tachi" Sword Mounting with Mother-of-pearl on a Gold Ground and Hilt of "Kenuki-gata" (tweezer-shaped opening) Type), which is the cats dangling the sparrows in bamboo grove were splendidly drawn on the gold "Ikakeji" ground sheath by a mother-of-pearl work, plus flowers and scrolls were chased on the hilt. "Kenuki-gata-tachi" was used by high-ranked officers in the Imperial Guards where sons of powerful aristocrats served. Only a few of the swords of this kind are left today, out of which this piece is the most gorgeous article. We have woven into warp-patterned brocade depicting the humorous figure of the cats, which were displayed in the original by the highest technique in the Heian period, in a beehive pattern with our authentic tehnique. The Source : National Treasure owned by Kasuga Taisha "Kin-ji-raden-kenuki-gata-tachi", Heian Period (12th C.)