Description

This is a kaeritsuno (return horn) believed to have been used in a Satsuma koshirae. It is made of suaka (plain copper) with an ishimeji (stone-texture) finish, featuring a gold fukurin (rim) of about 1mm thickness at the base. The design showcases a careful balance of sharp ridges and gentle curves. The central 'saru-suberi' (monkey slide) is elegantly shaped, reminiscent of the brushstrokes of Ouyang Xun's kaisho calligraphy. Its unique form is attributed to the Satsuma tradition where swords were often drawn from the obi along with their scabbards, making it easier to remove the entire assembly.