Sword Pommel (Kashira)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Iron, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), silver, gold
Dimensions
H. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); Wt. 0.4 oz. (11.3 g)
Classification
Sword Furniture-Fuchi-Kashira
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Bashford Dean, 1919
Accession Number
19.154.112
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite sword pommel, known as a *kashira*, hails from 18th-century Japan and forms part of the ornate fittings (*fuchi-kashira*) that adorned samurai swords. Measuring just 1 5/16 inches high weighing a mere 0.4 ounces, this delicate piece served both functional and decorative purposes, capping the hilt to secure the handle while showcasing the wearer's status and artistry. Featuring intricate human figures—likely mythical or legendary motifs—it reflects the Edo period's (1603–1868) flourishing metalwork traditions, when sword mounts evolved into miniature sculptures amid relative peac...