Feature for May, 1999
SWORD FITTINGS
The history of Japanese swords and sword fittings began in ancient times.
Scabbards, decorated with sword fittings, began to appear in the 12th century. Until
the 15th century sword fittings, served only
practical purposes. Both swords and fittings were crafted by the swordsmith.
Initially iron was the primary material for sword fittings.
Thereafter, swordsmithing evolved into an art form. In the early
stages, warriors and lords specified certain designs and patterns
to be incorporated into swords and fitting. Most designs were of
a religious nature and included images of pagodas and sanscrit-like
patterns resembling Buddhist prayers. These designs were
intended as charms to guarantee the warrior a safe return from battle
or a peaceful death.
The refinement of the craft of sword fittings to a fine art is credited
to Yujo Goto, a 16th century master metalsmith patronized by the Ashikaga
Shogun. By this time, sword fittings had become both functional and decorative.
The typical sword fittings included
- Tsuba - a piece separating the blade and hilt
- Fuchigashira - decorative metal pieces attached to end of the scabbard
- Menuki - a pair of decorative metal pieces attached to both sides of the hilt
- Kozuka - a small knife, with a decorative handle, attached to the scabbard
- Kogai - a metal implement attached to the scabbard for smoothing hair
- Kurigata - a decorative metal ring attached to the scabbard,
used to tie the scabbard around the waist
Sword fittings were typically made of red copper, copper, brass and other metals
that were combined
to achieve a delicate tone of colors. This technique defined
the very unique art of Japanese metal work. As this art form
became popular, local feudal lords heavily patronized sword
fitting artists as a way of flaunting their wealth and power.
The feudal lords' support encouraged the establishment of
many schools of sword fitting artists. When a peaceful era
began with reign of the Tokugawa shogunate, armor and
helmet producers could no longer sustain themselves crafting
crude implements for battle. These craftsmen followed the trend set by sword
fitting artists, and began producing decorative armor and helmets.
The art of sword fitting reached its pinnacle during the Edo period.
Swords and fittings were exchanged as gifts among lords.
Often, shoguns and lords offered sword fittings as prizes and
gifts to retainers. Nowadays, it not possible for the modern
artist to recreate the quality, techniques or the artistic sense
of the Edo period sword fitting artists.
Prices are quoted at the beginning of the feature month.
We reserve the right to change prices at any time. Please note that
we do not update this page to reflect availability of items. If you
are interested in purchasing any items, please
contact Harumi Antiques.
To see a larger image of each piece, click on the image (~100K).
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1) Dragon (Tsuba)
- Dragon and worrior with ocean waves, copper and zinc alloy.
- 8.0 cm x 8.0 cm
- ca.1850
- ¥ 220,000
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2) back side of previous item
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3) Ocean wave (Tsuba)
- Fine hair-line gold inlay(Kaga-zogan) of waves, perfect conditon, shakudo, gold and copper alloy.
- 8.0 cm x 7.8 cm
- ca.1800
- ¥ 220,000
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4) Heron with bamboo (Tsuba)
- Signed Ichijo Goto, the most famous sword fitting artist in Japan. Silver inlay bird on iron.
- 6.4 cm x 5.8 cm
- ca.1840
- ¥ 1,600,000
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5) back side of previous item
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6) Cherry blossoms (Tsuba)
- Early cloisonne cherry blossoms on red copper
- 8.0 cm x 7.8 cm
- ca. 1650
- ¥ 220,000
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7) back side of previous item
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8) Pine with monkey (Tsuba)
- Typical Shoami school perforated tsuba, set of two
- 7.9 cm x 7.9 cm
- ca.1750
- ¥ 250,000
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9) back side of previous item
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10) Cherry blossom (Tsuba)
- Ito school iron tsuba.
- 8.5 cm x 7.8 cm
- ca.1750
- ¥ 170,000
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11) Butterfly (Tsuba)
- Simple butterfly iron tsuba. This kind of tsuba looks very handsome when attached to hilt.
- 7.7cm x 7.4 cm
- ca. 1680
- ¥ 30,000
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12) back side of previous item
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13) Menuki
- Chinese men with tree. Pure gold
- 1.3 cm x 4.0 cm
- ca.1750
- ¥ 250,000
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14) Heianjo inlay (Tsuba)
- Geometric design, brass inlay on iron. Inlay missing in a few spots.
- 8.2 cm x 7.8 cm
- ca. 1750
- ¥ 120,000
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15) Fuchigashira
- Gold inlay on Nanako base red copper. Made by Korin Otsuki,, who started the Korin school, died 1742. Set of two.
- 3.8 cm
- ca 1730
- ¥ 250,000
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