Title: Kiku Sui 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, According to the certificate, the technique used is suki-bori, where a thin blade with a flat tip is used to carve in a manner similar to plowing. This technique involves digging the background deeper and leaving the outer edges of the pattern, then lowering the area outside the pattern to make the design stand out.
Regarding the design, the motif on this Fuchi Kashira is the Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum) flowers. A long time ago, chrysanthemums were used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in the continent, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemums symbolize autumn, and people have greatly appreciated it since ancient times. Since its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health.
There is a popular design that is called Kikusui Mon (菊水紋). It depicts chrysanthemum flowers floating in running water. Since a long time ago, the Kikusui Mon has been known as a design that represents longevity based on a Chinese legend. It says we could extend our lifespan by drinking water flowing from the chrysanthemum colony. Therefore, people treated this design as a kind of good luck motif. It is said this pattern started to be used in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). We could find a combination of chrysanthemum and water (wave) patterns. This Fuchi Kashira’s design might be able to be categorized in the Kikusui Mon.
*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. 4023634)
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 September 26th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). 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】
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【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.
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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 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/
