{"id":105013,"date":"2025-01-25T11:02:44","date_gmt":"2025-01-25T16:02:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=105013"},"modified":"2025-01-25T11:02:46","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T16:02:46","slug":"kashira-characteristics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/kashira-characteristics\/","title":{"rendered":"Kashira: The Pommel Cap of a Japanese Sword"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#characteristics-of-the-kashira\">Characteristics<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#facts-about-the-kashira\">Facts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>kashira<\/em> is the decorative pommel cap at the end of the sword&#8217;s handle, securing the hilt components in place. It often features intricate designs or motifs, reflecting the fine Japanese metalwork and craftsmanship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s explore the characteristics of a <em>kashira<\/em>, what makes it unique, and its function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"characteristics-of-the-kashira\">Characteristics of the <em>Kashira<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>kashira<\/em> widely varies in material, design, and decorative elements, showcasing the skill and artistry of Japanese artisans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the unique characteristics of the <em>kashira<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Material and Construction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>kashira<\/em> was often made of metal but sometimes of horn. Buffalo horn was preferred since it was black\u2014even if its black lacquer wore off, it would not be noticeable. Some were made of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/shibuichi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a copper-silver alloy called <em>shibuichi<\/em><\/a>, often with gold and copper inlay. Others were made of a copper-gold alloy called <em>shakudo<\/em>, which typically consisted of 4-10% gold and 96-90% copper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appearance and Function<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2400\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-horse-theme-kashira-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105217 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2560px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2560\/2400;width:auto;height:600px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-horse-theme-kashira-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-horse-theme-kashira-1024x960.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-horse-theme-kashira-740x694.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A <em>Kashira<\/em> can vary in shape, from rounded to domed, roofed, and humpbacked. The hilt (<em>tsuka<\/em>) is covered with a braided wrapping (<em>tsuka-ito<\/em>), which passes through the openings of a <em>kashira<\/em>, holding the latter in place. As a cap, the <em>kashira<\/em> secures the handle&#8217;s construction by preventing the <em>same<\/em> (ray skin) and <em>tsuka-ito<\/em> from coming loose over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"443\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jumyo-katana-fine-kashira-1024x443.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105214 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jumyo-katana-fine-kashira-1024x443.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jumyo-katana-fine-kashira-740x320.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/443;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design and Decoration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>kashira<\/em> often features intricate engravings and motifs, reflecting the aesthetic of the period or the owner&#8217;s personal style. However, a <em>kashira<\/em> without any carving or decoration is called <em>numeri-<\/em><em>kashira<\/em>, literally <em>slippery <\/em><em>pommel<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Craftsmanship and Metalworking Technique<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"370\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchigashira.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105213 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchigashira.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchigashira-740x304.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/370;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Different fuchigashira, a pair of matching sword fittings comprising the&nbsp;fuchi and&nbsp;kashira &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>kashira<\/em> often boasts elaborate embossed patterns, engravings, and carvings. Some feature inlays of precious metals like gold or silver and other materials. Others even feature openwork designs or pierced areas, from simple geometric shapes to intricate nature-inspired patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchigashira-and-kashira.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105212 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchigashira-and-kashira.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchigashira-and-kashira-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fuchigashira, late 18th\u2013early 19th century (left), kashira, ca. 1615\u20131868 (right) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the most notable metalworking techniques is the <em>katachibori<\/em>, also known as single-chisel carving. It is a carving method where the motif forms the outline of a <em>kashira<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/25698\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">and other sword fittings<\/a>. The terms <em>nikubori<\/em> (sculptural or three-dimensional carving) and <em>marubori<\/em> (full carving) are also used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Theme and Symbolism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Various-designs-of-the-kashira.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105220 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Various-designs-of-the-kashira.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Various-designs-of-the-kashira-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Various decorations on the kashira, signifying different themes &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The decorations on the <em>kashira<\/em> often reflect specific themes or symbolism. Popular motifs include abstract designs, animals, mythical creatures, nature, flowers, landscapes, symbols, folklore, or even depict scenes from legends or historical events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"facts-about-the-kashira\">Facts About the <em>Kashira<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>kashira<\/em> literally means <em>head<\/em>, referring to the metal horn or cap at the end of the <em>tsuka<\/em>. As a suffix, it is pronounced as <em>gashira<\/em> and is sometimes called <em>tsuka-gashira<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The <em>fuchi<\/em> and <em>kashira<\/em> were usually designed to match.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"403\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Matching-themes-for-the-fuchi-and-the-kashira.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105219 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Matching-themes-for-the-fuchi-and-the-kashira.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Matching-themes-for-the-fuchi-and-the-kashira-740x331.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/403;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Matching themes for the fuchi and the kashira &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A mounting protects each end of a katana or <em>wakizashi<\/em> hilt. The <em>fuchi<\/em> is the collar at the base of the grip next to the sword guard (<em>tsuba<\/em>), with a hole to allow the tang to pass through. The other is the <em>kashira<\/em> on the pommel. The <em>fuchi<\/em> and <em>kashira<\/em> were often made in matching sets, often referred to together as <em>fuchigashira<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A <em>kashira<\/em> also often matched other sword fittings of a <em>koshirae<\/em>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Matching-designs-of-different-sword-fittings-including-the-kashira.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105218 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Matching-designs-of-different-sword-fittings-including-the-kashira.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Matching-designs-of-different-sword-fittings-including-the-kashira-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Matching designs of different sword fittings, including the kashira &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>koshirae<\/em> refers to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/koshirae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a complete functional mounting<\/a> of Japanese samurai swords and even <em>tanto<\/em> daggers. It consists of a braided hilt wrapping (<em>tsuka-ito<\/em>), a sword guard (<em>tsuba<\/em>), and lacquered scabbard (<em>saya<\/em>). Other sword fittings include matching <em>fuchi<\/em> and <em>kashira<\/em>, <em>menuki<\/em> (ornaments on the hilt&#8217;s sides), <em>seppa<\/em> (washers on each side of the <em>tsuba<\/em>), <em>kojiri<\/em> (scabbard chape), and sometimes a <em>kozuka<\/em> (handle of the utility knife).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cross-cultural influences inspired some <em>kashira<\/em> designs.<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kashira-designs-on-a-Katana-by-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105215 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;width:auto;height:600px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kashira-designs-on-a-Katana-by-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kashira-designs-on-a-Katana-by-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-110x110.jpg 110w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kashira-designs-on-a-Katana-by-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-70x70.jpg 70w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kashira-designs-on-a-Katana-by-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-508x508.jpg 508w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kashira-designs-on-a-Katana-by-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-740x740.jpg 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kashira-designs-on-a-Katana-by-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-234x234.jpg 234w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>During the Edo period, there was significant cultural exchange and trade between Japan and other regions. Some <em>kashira<\/em> were shaped like an Indian betel box called <em>pandan<\/em>, which was used to hold betel leaves, nuts, and other ingredients for chewing. The <em>pandan<\/em> box also inspired Dutch tobacco boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some <em>kashira<\/em> featured Chinese-inspired motifs.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"509\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchi-kashira-by-Hisayuki-1024x509.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105211 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchi-kashira-by-Hisayuki-1024x509.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Fuchi-kashira-by-Hisayuki-740x368.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/509;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fuchi kashira by Hisayuki &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During the Edo period, Chinese high culture significantly influenced educated Japanese circles. Japan turned to China as a source of cultural inspiration when it had limited contact with the outside world. In a <em>fuchi-kashira<\/em> set, a <em>kashira<\/em> featured the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Su-Shi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chinese scholar Su Shi<\/a>, an important figure in classical Chinese literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The pommel of a <em>tachi<\/em> is called <em>kabutogane<\/em> instead of <em>kashira<\/em>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"328\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/An-itomaki-no-tachi-during-the-Edo-period-1024x328.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105210 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/An-itomaki-no-tachi-during-the-Edo-period-1024x328.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/An-itomaki-no-tachi-during-the-Edo-period-740x237.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/328;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An itomaki no tachi during the Edo period &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>tachi<\/em> is the earliest form of curved, single-edged sword in Japan. Its pommel is called <em>kabutogane<\/em>, meaning helmet metal-fitting. It is much larger than the later <em>kashira<\/em> and features large side openings. It also has a loop fastened to attach the sword knot (<em>udenuki<\/em> cord).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-sources article-slide \"><div class=\"faq-item accordion__item\"><h5 class=\"faq-item__heading accordion__handler\">Sources Cited<span class=\"faq-item__opener faq-item__opener--dark\"><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"faq-item__content accordion__slide content-area\"><ol>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuchi kashira<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Hisayuki<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved June 2, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/fuchi-kashira-hisayuki\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fuchi-kashira<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-hisayuki<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harada, K., &amp; Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.). (2009). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=FmLpLkEj1LgC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Art+of+the+Samurai:+Japanese+Arms+and+Armor,+1156-1868+(M.+Ogawa,+Ed.)&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin_MyinJGLAxUdbvUHHbTqF50Q6AF6BAgEEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Art of the Samurai: <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Arms and Armor, 1156-1868<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (M. Ogawa, Ed.)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Metropolitan Museum of Art.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Koshirae<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (\u62f5)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (2022, August 22). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved June 2, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/koshirae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">koshirae<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Niece, S., &amp; Craddock, P. T. (Eds.). (1993). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=XgshBQAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Metal+Plating+and+Patination:+Cultural,+Technical+and+Historical+Developments&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjB4IGrnJGLAxUoe_UHHQLfC-AQ6AF6BAgEEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metal Plating and Patination: Cultural, Technical and Historical Developments<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Elsevier Science &amp; Technology Books.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2011). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handbook of <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sword Fittings<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Related Terms<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Books on Demand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=Oq_2AwAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Koshirae+-+Japanese+Sword+Mountings&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL3tW0nJGLAxUTia8BHcJiFagQ6AF6BAgFEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Koshirae<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese Sword Mountings<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lulu.com.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2014). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com.ph\/books?id=5w6QBwAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Encyclopedia+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo1cS5nJGLAxVdevUHHYHAHNkQ6AF6BAgGEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encyclopedia of <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lulu.com.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2019, July 2). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shibuichi (\u56db\u5206\u4e00)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved June 2, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/shibuichi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/shibuichi<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shakud\u014d (\u8d64\u9285)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (2021, June 24). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved June 2, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/shakudo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/shakudo<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stone, G. C. (1999). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=4gQTAQAAMAAJ&amp;q=A+Glossary+of+the+Construction,+Decoration,+and+Use+of+Arms+and+Armor+in+All+Countries+and+in+All+Times:+Together+with+Some+Closely+Related+Subjects&amp;dq=A+Glossary+of+the+Construction,+Decoration,+and+Use+of+Arms+and+Armor+in+All+Countries+and+in+All+Times:+Together+with+Some+Closely+Related+Subjects&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtmI_DnJGLAxWZga8BHU8KMOMQ6AF6BAgJEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times: Together with Some Closely Related Subjects<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Dover Publications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoshihara, Y. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=URDQAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Art+of+the+Japanese+Sword.+The+Craft+of+Swordmaking+and+its+Appreciation&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYpajJnJGLAxUBiK8BHXc4IGwQ6AF6BAgMEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Art of the <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese Sword<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The kashira is the decorative pommel cap at the end of the sword&#8217;s handle, securing the hilt components in place. It often features intricate designs or motifs, reflecting the fine Japanese metalwork and craftsmanship.&nbsp; Let&#8217;s explore the characteristics of a kashira, what makes it unique, and its function. Characteristics of the Kashira The kashira widely&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":105216,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"hentry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105013","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=105013"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105013\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":105224,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105013\/revisions\/105224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105013"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=105013"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=105013"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}