Fuchi - Shakudo, Mixed alloys - Mino ju Mitsunaka - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

This Fuchi is a Japanese sword collar from the Edo period, crafted in shakudo alloy with mixed metals. Shakudo is a traditional Japanese alloy mainly composed of copper with small percentages of gold and silver, prized for its ability to develop a rich, dark patina. The fuchi fits around the base of the katana handle, joining the grip to the blade’s handguard (tsuba), and serves both decorative and structural roles. Mitsunaka, referenced here, may indicate the maker or school known for fine metalworking. Such fittings were meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, blending utility with aesthetic beauty, and are key elements studied in Japanese sword mountings. Their intricate designs and materials reflect samurai status and the cultural artistry of sword making in Edo Japan.