A kinko fuchi and kashira set, the collar and pommel cap of a Japanese sword handle, with a stone-textured ground the supplier describes as santoku ishime. The decoration is out of the ordinary: assorted box-shaped figures, a gourd and a teapot, each carrying Chinese characters. It is sold used.

Fuchi and kashira are usually bought as a matched pair, and this one stands out for subject rather than for a famous name, since no signature is listed. The theme of boxes, a gourd and a teapot is the sort of piece a Montana collector picks for a display built around unusual motifs, or for a remount where the owner wants something other than the usual flowers and dragons. The textured ground gives the figures a backdrop to sit against. Judge the chiseling and inlay from the photographs, store it dry, and keep the pair together.

Key features

• Kinko fuchi and kashira set
• Santoku ishime textured ground
• Box figures, gourd and teapot with Chinese writing
• Used

The set ships to your door in Montana.