Handmade Jewelry by Nao goldwork

NANAKO（魚子）and Shakudo（赤銅）

Nanako is a metal engraving technique that was brought to
Japan from Sassanid Persia via China in the Nara period.

A chisel with a small cylindrical tip is used, and millet-sized
fine grains are densely driven into the metal surface
to form a base called Nanako, a basic surface decoration.

Shakudo (赤銅) is an alloy of 96-90% copper, 4-10% gold.

Currently, copper sulfate, artificial green patina are
dissolved in water to create a chemical solution for
the treatment of the alloy. When an alloy is boiled in this
liquid, a film of cuprous oxide is formed on the surface.

5-10 nano-sized gold particles are dispersed in the alloy,
which reduces the reflection of light from the alloy surface,
resulting in a jet-black color of a wet crow's feather.

Fuchi is the collar on the handguard of the sword.
It is a metal fitting attached to the base of
the hilt of a Japanese sword to fix the blade.

Fuchi : Mouse and a folding fan

Dimensions: 3.6 cm x 2.1cm x 1.4cm, Weight 26.3 g
Production period: Edo (1600-1868)
Medium: Copper-gold alloy (shakudo), silver and gold

As you see, a mouse is engraved and a folding fan
is left next to it. From a distance,
the meaning of the design is hard to understand.

On a silver fan, you can find tiny Daikoku-ten,
one of the legendary Seven Lucky Gods in Japan.
He is holding a magic mallet, and in the legend,
he can tap out anything wished for with this hammer.

The mouse was thought to be the messenger of Daikoku.

The design of this metal fitting for the Japanese sword
was a deep wish and prayer for the owner's good luck.

Kashira is the Pommel of the sword of Japan.
It is the metal fitting which is attached to
the top of the hilt of the Japanese sword.

Kashira : Turbulent waves

Dimensions: 3.7 cm x 1.7cm x 0.8cm, Weight 9.8 g
Medium: Copper-gold alloy (shakudo) and gold/silver inlay

The design of this fitting is called Tatsunami and very popular.
In Japan, this means turbulent waves and seawater splashes.

The wave pattern is applied to the entire surface of the
jet-black Shakudo, realizing powerful movements in the design.

In 1860, the Shogunate dispatched a mission to the United States
to ratify the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between two countries.

Tadanori Oguri boarded The USS Powhatan, the U.S. Home Fleet
as a member and the inspector appointed by the Shogunate.

Tadanobu Oguri's family belongs to Hatamoto, high ranking samurai
of Tokugawa, who had the right to an audience with the shōgun.

And his family crest is Maru-tatsunami: turbulent waves.

Fuchi-Gashira

Fuchi is the collar on the handguard of the sword.

Kashira is the Pommel of the sword of Japan.

When Fuchi and kashira are designed with a common theme,
they are collectively called Fuchi-gashira(縁頭).

Collar on the handguard of the sword of Japan

Fuchi : Chrysanthemums and stone lantern

Dimensions: 3.7 cm x 2.1cm x 0.9cm, Weight 18.37g

Medium: Copper-gold alloy (shakudo) and gold inlay

Pommel of the sword of Japan

Kashira : Wind chime and Chrysanthemums

Dimensions: 3.4cm x 1.6 cm x 0.7 cm, Weight 9.96 g

Medium: Copper-gold alloy (shakudo), gold inlay, etc.

The 50-yen coin of Japan, which began to be issued on 1 February
1967, has a design of three chrysanthemum flowers.

The 50-yen coin of Japan

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