Hi,
I recently purchased this Kashira & was surprised to see this on the side! I instantly knew it was special! Looks exactly the same as an earlier post & pic of a Tsuba.
In all the years I've been collecting & studying Japanese Swords I've never seen anything like it before.
If looked at in detail it has Christ on the cross which has been etched in gold with the cross outline etched in silver. The etching is very detailed & you can even make out the eye's ?
The Kashira appears to be made of iron for the banding & copper/brass for the face.
It appears to be Edo period??
When positioned on the handle the hand definitely covers the symbol hidden at all times.
It may have been etched on after the ban on Christianity was lifted at the end of the Edo Period???
But I still think it's Special & is a welcome addition to my collection & a great conversation piece!?
Any information would be appreciated.
Cheers.
Shawn.
