Type: Fuchi Material: Shakudō (copper–gold alloy) Period: Edo (17th–19th century) Mass: 21.2 g
The outer surface of this fuchi is decorated with a fine cross-hatched pattern resembling woven textile. This motif is subtle yet deliberate, evoking the aesthetic of Japanese brocade or basketry. Such designs carried connotations of resilience and refinement, quietly emphasizing the samurai’s appreciation for both strength and understated beauty.
This piece seems to have been lacquered or waxed in a way that obscures some of the fine detail in the deep chisel cuts.
This aesthetic leans toward the taste of the Higo and Shoami traditions, where an emphasis on abstract, textile-like motifs reflected both martial discipline and wabi-sabi sensibilities. Such fittings were particularly suitable for samurai who valued quiet elegance on their swords rather than ostentation.
