Sword-Hilt Collar and Pommel (Fuchigashira)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Iron, gold
Dimensions
Fuchi (a); H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); Wt. 0.7 oz. (19.8 g); kashira (b); H. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); Wt. 0.5 oz. (14.2 g)
Classification
Sword Furniture-Fuchi-Kashira
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Herman A. E. and Paul C. Jaehne, 1943
Accession Number
43.120.1295a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pair of *fuchigashira*—a sword-hilt collar (*fuchi*) and pom (*kashira*)—hails from 18th-century Japan, the Edo period when samurai culture flourished under the Tokugawa shogunate. These fittings adorned the hilts of katana swords, blending functionality with artistry. The *fuchi*, measuring 1 1/2 inches high, and the slightly smaller *kashira* at 1 3/8 inches, were essential components of *tosogu* (sword mountings), transforming weapons into symbols of status and refined taste. Crafted from iron inlaid with gold, these pieces showcase masterful metalworking techniques typical ...