Description

The motif of this Menuki is the Sode (袖, sleeve) of Katchu (甲冑, Samurai armor). Especially, this type of armor’s sleeves is called the Ōsode (大袖), which means the big or great sleeve. Among the sleeves of armor, the Ōsode is the part worn on the shoulder part to protect from the shoulder to the upper arm. In battle, arms must be protected to handle weapons. If the arms get injured, it is almost impossible to keep fighting or protect oneself. It was also used as a shield to defend enemy blades and arrows in emergencies as it is a component which is not glued to other parts. The Ōsode is composed of small leather and iron plates called the Kozane (小札), and those parts are bound together with beautiful silk threads, braided cords, leather cords, and other threads. On this Menuki, this pattern is engraved beautifully using gold and black colors. Also, this Menuki is made of Shakudou (赤銅). The Shakudou is an alloy of copper and gold. This material has often been used for sword mountings. It is because of its rollability (easiness of processing), adhesiveness, ease of plating, and the beauty of black coloring. The Shakudou is easy to be attacked by acid; therefore, it is better to avoid touching it with bare hands. Since the Shakudou is made from copper and a small quantity of Shirome (しろめ, an alloy of tin and lead), and gold, Shakudou Tsubas have black color. That is why this material is also called the Karasu (烏銅, Shakudou’s black color is likened to crow. Crow is called Karasu in Japanese). We hope this piece will become a valued addition to your impressive collection.

Details from the shop

INCLUDED

Wooden box

Title

Katchu Sode Zu