Japanese Copper Fuchi Kashira. Mid 1700's

Japanese Antique Copper Fuchi Kashira
Mid 1700's

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Edo Period 1700s Antique Fuchi Kashira
Fuchi are placed on the front of the tsuka (handle) on a Japanese sword.
Kashira placed at the pommel
Fuchi & Kashira like many of the accoutrements of the Japanese Sword ( Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto) are in themselves miniature prized artworks.

This superb antique set of fuchi kashira is made from copper with shakudo inlay, set against a 魚子 nanako (Fish egg) background depicting Sui Sen 水仙 (Daffodil flowers) .
Daffodils, which bloom around the New Year in Japan, are beloved as New Year's flowers.
Few flowers bloom at this time of year. This makes them a noble flower.

Their inner yellow parts resemble a golden cup, their outer white petals resemble a silvery base, earning them the nickname "Kinzangindai" (golden cup and silver base).

The 57th Season of the beginning of winter, known as "Kinzanko" (golden cup), marks the time when daffodils begin to bloom.

In Japan, there are seventy-two subdivision seasons called the 七十二候 shichijuni kou. The seasons are named after the birds, insects, plants, and weather associated with each change in nature occurring every five days

The Ikenobo book "Seven Types of Flower Arrangements" states, "Daffodils are the only flowers in the shadows. (winter)
Their beauty is highly prized," placing them second only to pine, bamboo, and plum in prestige.

Since the Muromachi period, Daffodil Flowers have been linked to Samurai etiquette in the tea ceremony and flower arrangement.
For the Samurai this fuchi kashira set featuring flowering daffodil blossoms, plump buds ready to bloom, swaying leaves set on nanako base like flowing water, was evocative of the transition of life and the passage of time.


Condition: Excellent
Mumei : Unsigned
Fuchi
Dimensions: 38 mm x 22 mm x 9 mm 14 grams
Kashira
Dimensions: 34 mm x 18 mm x 7 mm 9 grams

A$375