set of japanese sword fittings – fuchi (collar), kashira (pommel), and kozuka (small knife handle) description a genuine wooden hilt section (tsuka) from a traditional japanese sword, covered with samegawa (ray skin) used as the underlayer for handle wrapping (tsukamaki). this component served as the grip section of a samurai sword (katana) and dates from the late edo period (19th century). material and structure core (kiji): carved from soft, easily workable magnolia wood (hō-no-ki), featuring a hollow interior designed to insert the tang (nakago) of the blade. the joint line visible along the wood grain represents the natural separation of the two halves of the hilt, typical of traditional tsuka construction. small cracks along this seam are age-related and consistent with natural drying over time. outer covering (samegawa) the surface is covered with genuine ray skin, identifiable by its distinctive granular nodules formed by calcified pearls. samegawa was applied to strengthen the grip, prevent slippage, and provide a decorative texture before being wrapped with silk or leather cord (tsuka-ito). the slightly glossy darkened surface and yellowish tones indicate old lacquer coating (black urushi) or the result of long-term handling and natural patination. mekugi-ana (peg holes) round holes visible near the center and lower section of the hilt were used to secure the blade tang with bamboo or metal pegs (mekugi). one or two such holes are typical, and the placement here follows the standard configuration of edo-period sword hilts. joint and adhesive the vertical line at the center of the ray skin marks the joining seam of two samegawa sheets. the adhesive used was nikawa (animal glue), sometimes mixed with lacquer, both common in edo-period sword fittings. the transparent residue visible in places represents aged glue that has naturally oxidized over time. upper and lower fittings traces of fuchi (metal collar) are visible at the upper end where the hilt met the blade. the lower end originally held the kashira (pommel cap), now missing. these fittings were typically made of iron, copper, or shakudō alloys. historical context and use the fine, evenly patterned samegawa suggests use on a samurai’s uchigatana (striking sword) from the late edo period. such craftsmanship reflects the functional and aesthetic integration of japanese sword mountings (koshirae). summary item: japanese sword hilt (tsuka) section with ray skin covering materials: magnolia wood, ray skin, natural glue (nikawa) period: late edo (19th century) structure: hollow wooden core with peg holes, traces of metal fittings measurements length: 13 cm width: 4 cm height: 1.7 cm weight: 36 g fuchi (縁 – collar fitting) material: metal (likely shakudō or brass alloy) dimensions: height 4 mm × width 3 cm × thickness 1.5 cm weight: 9 g kashira (頭 – pommel cap) material: metal (matching the fuchi) dimensions: height 3.2 cm × width 1.6 cm weight: 10 g kozuka (小柄 – decorative knife handle) material: metal, possibly shakudō or brass with inlay or engraving dimensions: length 19.5 cm × width 1.5 cm × thickness 3 mm weight: 26 g period: late edo to early shōwa (19th–20th century) category: japanese sword fittings (kodōgu set) condition: good antique condition with light wear consistent with age. shipping: dhl or japan post note: import duties or customs taxes may apply. please bid with understanding. shipping dhl or japan post note please be aware that customs duties may apply. kindly place your bid with this understanding.