Title: Kassen-Zu
Description
This item is a matching set of fuchi-kashira (hilt collar and pommel cap) and menuki (hilt ornaments). All components share a unifying theme centered around warfare and historical battles in Japan.
The theme of this fuchi-kashira (hilt collar and pommel cap) appears to depict scenes from a famous historical conflict known as the Genpei War (源平合戦,1180–1185), a civil war between the Taira (平家, Heike) and Minamoto (源氏, Genji) clans that marked the end of the Heian period in Japan.
The fuchi (collar) likely illustrates the Battle of Dan-no-ura(壇ノ浦の戦い), a dramatic naval battle that took place in 1185 and resulted in the fall of the Taira clan. The kashira (pommel cap) seems to represent the Battle of Yashima(屋島の戦い), another key engagement in which the Minamoto clan gained a crucial victory. These battles are among the most iconic in Japanese history and are often depicted in traditional art to symbolize bravery, loyalty, and the rise and fall of great houses.
The theme of this menuki (hilt ornament) appears to center on martial equipment used in battle, specifically a spear and a war banner (hatajirushi). These were essential items on the battlefield in feudal Japan, used both for combat and as symbols of command or spiritual devotion.
The spear depicted here is a distinctive kata-kama yari (片鎌槍), a type of spear with an asymmetrical blade featuring a single curved hook. The banner bears what appears to be the inscription “Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō” (南無妙法蓮華経), a Buddhist chant from the Lotus Sutra, often associated with samurai who followed Nichiren Buddhism. Given these details—the hooked spear and the banner with this invocation—the motif is likely inspired by Katō Kiyomasa, a famous samurai and military commander from the late 16th to early 17th century. Kiyomasa was known for his martial prowess, devout faith in Nichiren Buddhism, and use of such distinctive weapons and banners in his campaigns.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
What is Fuchi Kashira?
Fuchi Kashira is a kind of metal fitting of the Japanese sword, which improves the handle’s strength. Fuchi Kashira is a combination of two parts; Fuchi and Kashira. Fuchi was put next to Tsuba (hand-guard), and Kashira was put on the grip bottle. Fuchi Kashira had developed not only its practicality but also beauty for the decoration of the Japanese sword.
What is Menuki?
Menuki is a kind of metal fitting of the Japanese sword, which was initially put into the handle’s hole. It covers Mekugi so that the blade of a sword will be fixed. Originally, Menuki was used to hold Mekugi, but they became separated over time. And then, Menuki had developed its practicality and beauty for the decoration of the Japanese sword.
Menuki became more decorative than in early modern times. Since it had been attached under the Tsukamaki (the handle of the Japanese sword wrapped by thread), Menuki played an essential role in making it easier to grip the sword’s handle.
Why is it that the sword mounting was important for Samurai?
The sword mountings of the Japanese sword have many kinds of decorations such as handguards (Tsuba), sword hilt (Menuki), pommel (Fuchi Kashira). The Japanese sword worked as a weapon and as an object to show who he was. For example, it shows their personalities and beliefs. You could say that it is like decorations for smartphones today. We recommend you zoom in on the pictures of the sword fittings. When you do so, you can see the skill of Japanese metal engraving techniques. They are mainly made of iron and copper with inlays of gold, silver, and bronze. When it comes to handguard (Tsuba), each one has a different outline and weight. These sword fittings that have lived with Japanese swords of the same age might be worth as much as the Japanese swords. They are inconspicuous parts of the Japanese sword. Nevertheless, if you are knowledgeable or particular about it, you will become a connoisseur of the Samurai.
Fuchi-kashira
Menuki A
Menuki B
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. 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. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
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【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 Kozuka and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more Kozuka for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Kozuka.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/decorations/koduka/
