Sword-Hilt Collar and Pommel (Fuchigashira)
A fuchigashira is a pair of matching sword fittings comprising the fuchi (collar at the base of the grip of the sword hilt) and kashira (pommel cap at the end of a sword hilt). The design features a legendary Chinese character, Jurōjin (Shou Laoren in Chinese), revered in Japan as one of the Seven Gods of Happiness and Good Fortune. He is usually represented under a great pine tree as a white-haired and bearded old man, carrying a tall staff and accompanied by a deer, all symbols of the blessings of longevity.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sword-Hilt Collar and Pommel (Fuchigashira)
- Fittings maker: Inscribed by Ishiguro Koreyoshi (Japanese, active 19th century)
- Date: 19th century
- Culture: Japanese
- Medium: Gold, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), copper
- Dimensions: L. of fuchi 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); W. of fuchi 7/8 in. (2.2 cm); L. of kashira 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); W. of kashira 5/8 in. (1.6 cm)
- Classification: Sword Furniture-Fuchi-Kashira
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. George A. Crocker (Elizabeth Masten), 1937
- Object Number: 38.25.73a, b
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Ishiguro Koreyoshi
1840–60
Omori Hidenaga
18th century
Japanese
late 14th century
Hirata School
ca. 1615–1868
Japanese
ca. 1615–1868
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.