Fuchigashira depicting rats gnawing on a hanging scroll and Japanese paper fan 

Inscription: Yasuchika 

Mid- to late 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). This one depicts rats gnawing on a hanging scroll and a Japanese paper fan. The hanging scroll itself depicts a nighttime scene with a moon obscured by clouds.