Japanese Edo Gilt Copper Fuchi with Kanji Script

**Originally Listed At $300**

East Asia, Japan, Edo period, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A beautiful sword hilt collar known as a fuchi, with a tapered opening for inserting the blade through, cast from a copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), with a low relief pine tree and landscape motif and gilt highlights. Kanji script is etched into the copper panel surrounding the blade mouth. The fuchi is a decorative and functional metal fitting bordering between the guard and handle on the sword, which improves the handle strength. Size: 1.5" L x 0.8" W (3.8 cm x 2 cm); gold quality: 6% to 7% (less than 2K); silver quality: 10% to 12%.

Shibuichi is a traditional Japanese alloy that is primarily composed of copper, with a small percentage of silver. The word "shibuichi" translates to "one-fourth" in Japanese, referring to the traditional alloy mixture of three parts copper to one part silver, although the percentage varies from as little as 5% to 95% silver! The addition of silver imparts a silvery or grayish color to the alloy, creating a material that is often used in traditional Japanese metalworking, particularly for decorative items and artistic objects. One notable characteristic of shibuichi is its ability to develop a unique patina over time, which can range from various shades of brown to green or black

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#182622
Condition Report: Minor surface nicks, otherwise intact and excellent. Old inventory number on interior surface.