What is Jitte?
The Jitte (十手, ten hands) is the specialized weapon used by the police officers during the Edo Period (1603-1868). During the Edo period, Samurai warriors played the role of police officers. This weapon is called a Jitte because it is so powerful that its user feels it is worth ten hands for one Jitte. Its structure is an elongated iron bar with a hook attached to its handle. During criminal investigations, they also used this tool to prove their identity as police officers. It seems that it was not only used as a weapon and armor but also had a role similar to what we would call a police officer’s ID today. It is said that the shape of Jitte differed depending on the class, and the color of tassel strings could determine the jurisdiction.
Description
The elegant vermilion-colored Fusahimo (房紐, tassel string) is attached to the handle. If you focus on the iron bar part, you will find that a dragon is engraved on it. Initially, the dragon was an imaginary creature found in ancient foreign traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, belly is Mizuchi (蛟, a mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and has a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.
On the other side of this iron bar, you would see an object shaped like a drop wrapped in flames. We think this is probably the Kaen Houju (火焔宝珠). It refers to the Nyoi Houju (如意宝珠, Cintāmaṇi) covered with fire. The Nyoi Houju is a fantasy jewel that fulfills any desire and gives out treasure, clothes, food, and drinks. Moreover, it heals illness and suffering, removes evils, purifies muddy water, and prevents disasters. It is said this magical item is taken from the brain of the dragon king.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【About us】
Ninja Weapon Museum is located in Kanazawa, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the history of Ninja and Samurai.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), Apple Pay, or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. If you prefer other payment methods, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of Jitte and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
【How To Contact Us】
Please contact us through email, Facebook Messenger if you have any questions. You can find each icon on the right side of the website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.
