Type: Fuchi Material: Shakudo Period: Edo (17th-19th century) Mass: 24.9g
The fuchi depicts a dragon in motion among swirling clouds or waves, rendered in bold fire-gilt carving. In Japanese art, dragons symbolize power, wisdom, and guardianship, often seen as masters of water and weather. The swirling background evokes storms or sea waves, amplifying the dragon’s elemental energy and its role as a cosmic protector.
The detailing in the scales and flowing mane, combined with the deep carving of the cloud/wave background, give the design a sense of depth and movement. The contrast between the dark shakudō base and the luminous gold highlights demonstrates the Edo-period taste for dramatic, high-contrast fittings.
This piece is unsigned, but the work resembles work done by Edo-era Mito school craft.
