Sword-Hilt Collar and Pommel (Fuchigashira)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Iron, gold
Dimensions
Kashira (a); H. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); Wt. 0.9 oz. (25.5 g); fuchi (b); H. 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm); Wt. 1.7 oz. (48.2 g)
Classification
Sword Furniture-Fuchi-Kashira
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of a Trustee of the Museum, 1917
Accession Number
17.208.112a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pair of *fuchigashira*—a sword-hilt collar (*fuchi*) and pom (*kashira*)—dates to Japan's 18th-century Edo period, when samurai culture emphasized not just the lethality of blades but the artistry of their fittings. Crafted from iron inlaid with gold, these adorned the hilt of a katana or wakizashi, transforming functional weapons into wearable sculptures. The *fuchi* measures 1 3/4 inches high and weighs 1.7 ounces, while the *kashira* is slightly smaller at 1 5/16 inches and 0.9 ounces, showcasing the meticulous balance of form and weight prized by swordsmiths. Featuring moti...