Type: Fuchi Material: Shakudo with fire gilded details Period: Edo (18th–19th century) Mass: 23.2 g
This fuchi is richly decorated with an all-over floral design in relief, featuring blossoms and leaves densely arranged across the surface. Several flowers and details are accented with gold, producing a vibrant contrast against the deep black shakudo ground.
The fuchi is carved in high relief, with crisp contours and layered foliage creating a sense of depth and abundance. Gold highlights applied to select flowers bring dimension and richness, typical of Edo decorative techniques. The overall execution is confident and detailed, suggesting a workshop with strong skill in handling complex natural forms. The mass of over 23 grams indicates a substantial piece, giving it presence and durability when mounted.
During the Edo period, florals became some of the most popular themes in sword furniture, tied to both poetic associations and the samurai’s affinity with seasonal cycles. The dense, clustered style of the carving and selective gilding shows affinities with the Mito school and other late-Edo ateliers known for naturalistic themes. This type of design would have appealed to samurai patrons seeking elegance in personal adornment while still displaying martial refinement.
