Very Rare Antique Japanese Iron Pair Namban Menuki Fuchi Kashira Dragon Samurai

One extremely rare a ntique Japanese set of iron Namban menuki with matching fuchi kashira. Carved iron plaque pair of menuki and fuchi kashira with dragons. Gold nunome highlights and rims. In over 25 years of collecting, this is only the second pair of Namban menuki that I have ever owned (they both came out of the same collection). I have only see a few others but never in iron.

There was a discussion on the Nihonto Message Board in 2010 discussing whether or not iron Namban menuki even exist (look up on google- NAMBAN FK / MENUKI for the thread). Good condition- gold worn or missing on some spots on both menuki and fuchi kashira. Some light rust on pair of menuki (see pictures). Menuki measure 1 7/8 inches long, 1/2 inch wide and just over 1/16 inch thick. The fuchi measures 1 1/2 inches long, 7/8 inches wide and 9/16 inches tall.

Akago ana measures 1 1/16 inch by 1/4 inch. The kashira measures 1 5/16 inches long, 11/16 inch wide and 1 7/16 inches tall. Take away 1/8 inch for inside measurements (1/16 inch thick). See my other Namban pair of menuki and other sword fittings.

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