Jewels Underhand

Back for a moment to the Sword (Japanese). The Kosherei (fittings) on a sword from Japan are often collected in their own right. These little masterpieces come in all shapes and sizes, from the war-like (see photograph) to fine natural scenes of rivers and mythical beasts. 

Made by highly skilled craftsmen, the Asprey and Gerrards of their day, the metals used were again unique to Japan. Apart from silver, gold and red copper, they used alloys such as Shakudo, shibuichi and Sentoku. 

Deep lustrous blue black, shades of brown through to pale grey and simulating gold. All the pieces shown would have been fitted to one sword the seated samurai bound with silk to the Hilt, samurai on horse portraying a scene from the battle of Dan-no-ura, fitted as pommel and cap to the hilt while the third piece would have had a small blade inserted into it and fitted into the scabbard as either an ancillary weapon or utensil for perhaps cutting food. I think we can dismiss the third theory that it was used to mark the Samurai's kill on the battle field. 

There are many, many pieces of this type, Museums are full of them and the really fine pieces can fetch large sums of money, but, the real point is that I hope I am explaining why a weapon can also be an artistic wonder and a craft delight. 

 

Greyman