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Posted

I have some questions about aikuchi tanto koshirae.

 

Are the gold fittings in this photo (fuchi, kashira, kurikata) just black horn that has been lacquered gold? Or are these some type of soft metal? I wouldn't have thought that lacquered gold over black horn would wear that well and would chip or rub off over time.

 

Also I wanted to know how the menuki were applied. Was this just rice glue or pitch or is it something more adhesive? Obviously without any wrap they would need to be fixed on firmly.

 

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

post-65-0-45478100-1439147366_thumb.jpg

Posted

Hi Justin.

 

From the look of the fittings your first guess is almost certainly correct, gold lacquer over horn.  If you have the Boston Museum catalogue there are some spiffy gold koshirae and the difference is apparent.  For the answer to your second question have a look at this, http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/3799-resin-glue-or-bitumen/ Nice looking koshirae and blade by the way.

 

All the best.

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