Two questions about Aikuchi Koshirae for Katana/Wakizashi

[Drago]

Hi,

 

I've seen a couple of Katana and Wakizashi that had Aikuchi Koshirae and was quite intruiged by it.

 

What I would like to know:

 

1. Does there have to be a fitting counterpiece for the Fuchi at the Koiguchi? What I mean is, if for example the Fuchi shows cranes does there have to be a collar showing cranes around the Koiguchi, or is it okay for the Fuchi to meet the Saya just like that. Of course, this is mostly an aethetics question, but I thought I'd ask.

 

2. Is there usually as Seppa between Habaki and Fuchi? I've often seen that the Nakago holes on the Fuchi are rather big so there might be a gap between Habaki and Fuchi... And also, would it be better to use a Seppa if the Fuchi is signed to protect the signature? Of course, the Seppa would have to be cut down in size to be the same size or smaller than the Fuchi, right?

 

Thanks.

[runagmc]

They don't have to match. Here's a few examples:

 

 

 

Alot of times it's done with horn like this:

 

 

I don't think using seppa would work well...