This fuchi is decorated entirely with a nanako ground, a stippled granulation pattern resembling rows of tiny fish eggs. In Japanese aesthetics, nanako was often used as both a decorative motif and a background for further inlay. Here, the artist chose a pure nanako design, which emphasizes restraint and formal elegance — a hallmark of refined Edo-period taste.
Nanako work required exceptional technical skill. Each tiny depression was hand-punched with a specialized tool, placed in perfectly even rows across the entire surface. The uniformity seen here reflects the precision of a highly trained craftsman. The shakudō alloy’s deep black patina provides a luxurious backdrop, with faint traces of gilt visible on the inner edges. This understated minimalism showcases the discipline and subtle beauty valued in high-quality sword furniture.
This particular fuchi is unsigned, but is characteristic of late-Edo workshop production in the Goto tradition.
