Antique Japanese Edo-Period Sword Katana Fuchi Kashira Samurai Warrior in Gold on Shakudō

This striking matched pair of fuchi and kashira from a Japanese katana or wakizashi mount (koshirae) depicts a dynamic figure of a fully armored samurai in rich gold and copper inlay over a finely textured nanako-ji ground. The warrior’s expressive pose—one hand grasping his weapon, the other in motion—captures the vigor and narrative flair prized in late-Edo metalwork.

Crafted from shakudō (an alloy of copper and gold) with gilded and copper details, this set exemplifies the masterful small-scale relief carving and contrasting metal techniques of sword fittings (kinkō tsuba-kō). The surface shows the deep purplish-black sheen characteristic of fine shakudō and retains traces of original gilding in the armor and fan.

Such figural motifs were popular among samurai of the Bakumatsu era, evoking themes of valor, loyalty, and heroic lineage from the Heike Monogatari and other classical tales.

Dimensions:

• Kashira: approx. 1.4" (3.6 cm) × 0.75" (1.9 cm)

• Fuchi: approx. 1.5" (3.8 cm) × 0.9" (2.3 cm)
  Materials: Shakudō with gold and copper inlay (iroe zōgan)
  Period: Late Edo (mid-19th century)

Keywords: kashira, fuchi, koshirae, samurai armor, shakudō, iroe zōgan, Edo jidai, katana fittings, sword furniture, kodōgu, bushi, yamato-e, meiji art