Title: Rihaku Kanbaku Zu
Description
This Fuchi Kashira is recognized by The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, which is known as NBTHK. And this Fuchi Kashira is made from the Yamagane (山銅). The Yamagane is a mixture of copper and unrefined impurities. It makes a yellowish-brown color. However, there are also different colors of Yamagane, such as bluish-black, depending on the composition ratio. In ancient times, the Yamagane was often used for making metalworks. In the Edo period, copper refining technology advanced, and high-purity materials became the primary current.
Also, this Fuchi Kashira is decorated with the Tsuishu (堆朱), which is a type of carved lacquer technique called Choshitsu (彫漆). In the Choshitsu method, a thick layer of colored lacquer is applied dozens times, and this layer of colored lacquer is then carved to create a three-dimensional pattern. In Japan, those with a vermilion surface are called the Tsuishu.
Regarding the design, the theme of this Fuchi Kashira is the Rihaku Kanbaku Zu (李白観瀑図). Rihaku (李白) is one of the most famous poets of the Tang Dynasty in China, and the word Kanbaku (観瀑) means viewing a waterfall. The Kashira depicts the figure of Rihaku, accompanied by his attendant, being impressed by a great waterfall on Mount Rosan (望廬山) during a wandering journey. Rihaku, his attendant, and other main motifs, such as a bird, trees, and rocks, are engraved three-dimensional, and the background patterns, including waves, are engraved geometrically and decoratively. It is said that the sight of Rihaku wandering into the valley of Mount and composing poems was favored by warlords and intellectuals.
If you look at the Fuchi side, you would find some kind of flower, which seems to be the Ume (梅, plum tree/Japanese apricot blossom). It is said that the Ume was brought from China to Japan in the early Nara period (710-794), and its flower, which blooms in severe cold weather, was regarded as an ideal of life to endure adversity in China. In Japan, they also begin to bloom in winter that snow still covers its tree so that people thought this flower tells the arrival of spring. Same as cherry blossom, it has been appreciated for a long time in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.
*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.
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.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK Hozon Certificate (No. 4008736)
NBTHK, also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), is one of the oldest Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern-day Japan. They authenticated the Fuchi Kashira on January 15th in the 28th year of Heisei (2016). They appraised it as Hozon Tousougu, the Fuchi Kashira worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file for your record if you request.
【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 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.
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.
【Antique Japanese Tsuba 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 Tsuba 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 Fuchi Kashira and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more Fuchi Kashira for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Fuchi Kashira.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/decorations/fuchigashira/
