fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel cap) with coins

fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel cap) with coins , date unknown

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: iron; gold; copper

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.2564.a,b

Not on display

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Archive Label 2003:
This collar (fuchi) and pommel cap (kashira) would have been part of the handle of a mounted sword. Although some complete sets of mounting hardware have programs of decoration, it is more common that only the collar and pommel cap were decorated with the same subject. Coins were auspicious symbols of prosperity and wealth. The fifteen that are depicted on the fuchi are representative of the number offered to the gods after each new minting.