FUCHI KASHIRA - Japan, Edo period (1603-1868)

FUCHI KASHIRA

Japan, Edo period (1603-1868)

Copper, gold and silver

H.: 1.1; L.: 3.6; Thickness: 2 cm

This fuchi and this kashira, two elements composing the sheath of the katana, are in black lacquered copper with decoration in relief enhanced with gold details.

The Kashira represents the oni Hannya – an evil spirit from Japanese folklore, a female demon, it embodies suffering, anger and hatred; his left hand rests on the shoulder of samurai Ômori Hikoschichi, who was a busho, Japanese military commander of Seiwa-Genji, Minamoto clan.

The Fuchi represents on one side a hilly landscape with flowers enhanced with gold and silver, on the other a fan with a gold handle is placed on a naginata.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON