Inscription: Konkan’s personal signature-seal
Mid-Edo period
Donated by Watanabe Riemon
Two matching sword fittings make up a fuchigashira: the hilt collar (fuchi) and the pommel cap at the end of the sword hilt (kashira).Here, it depicts a scene in which a demon (oni) offers tea to Enma, the Great King of Demons.
Iwamoto Konkan (1744–1801) was a swordsmith active during the mid- to late Edo period. Born Asai Ryōyūn, he studied under famed swordsmith Iwamoto Yoshihiro I and took on the Iwamoto family name. His unique and brilliant style indicates a contemporary, stylish Edo sensibility.