Title: Karajishi-Zu
Description
This item is a matching set of fuchi-kashira (hilt collar and pommel cap) and menuki (hilt ornaments), all unified by a theme centered on the Kara-jishi (唐獅子), or Chinese lion—a symbol of strength and protection in East Asian culture.
The fuchi-kashira features a pair of Kara-jishi, one playfully holding a decorative ball (temari) and the other depicted with a cub. This pairing is commonly interpreted as a symbolic lion family: the lion with the temari is the father, while the lion with the cub is the mother. The imagery conveys themes of familial harmony, protection, and auspiciousness.
In traditional Japanese art, such lions are often placed in front of shrines and temples as komainu (guardian lion-dogs), although the Kara-jishi specifically derives from Chinese models and is characterized by a more leonine appearance. The temari ball, traditionally associated with marriage proposals in ancient China, also came to represent household unity and good fortune.
The menuki follows the same motif, possibly showing a lion in motion with a paw raised toward a temari, reinforcing the celebratory theme of domestic happiness and spiritual guardianship. The detailed carving and dynamic composition reflect the enduring popularity of the Kara-jishi in sword fittings and decorative arts throughout Japanese history.
Altogether, the set conveys an auspicious message of family prosperity, protection, and the joyful energy embodied by these mythical beasts.
*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.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
【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/
