Sword Fitting Item Number: Ed5.1448 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark brown, copper alloy, elliptical fitting; formed of a strip 1.2 cm. wide. Irregularly hollowed on inside behind figures which are raised on outer surface; figures are of a larger and a small tiger and bamboo in gold. Most of the remaining surface is covered with contiguous raised circles. Inserted into one end of ellipse is a flat plug of copper, perforated longitudinally with hole shaped like an isosceles triangle with slightly rounded sides.
History Of Use
The fuchi is a sword fitting, used to cover the end of the grip where it joins the blade, often matching the kozuka, or cover, for the butt end of the grip. Weapons and armour constitute part of the Japanese artistic tradition, having been designed for beauty and interest as well as for function.
Cultural Context
sword fitting
Item History
- Made in Japan before 1953
- Collected before 1953
- Owned by Marion Stephan
- Owned by Charles H. Stephan before January 10, 1977
- Received from Charles H. Stephan (Donor) on January 10, 1977
What
- Name
- Sword Fitting
- Identification Number
- Ed5.1448
- Type of Item
- fitting
- Material
- gold metal, copper alloy metal and copper metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast, punched, overlaid and soldered ?
- Overall
- height 1.1 cm, width 2.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Japanese
- Previous Owner
- Marion Stephan and Charles H. Stephan
- Received from
- Charles H. Stephan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Japan
When
- Creation Date
- before 1953
- Collection Date
- before 1953
- Ownership Date
- before January 10, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on January 10, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 79
- Accession Number
- 0352/0172