shakudo hilted Dutch swords
in the early 18thC black on the outside (if rubbed copperlike) hilts were imported from perhaps Tonkin to Holland.
the material was called black suassa and is an alloy of antimony, gold and copper.
al lot of chinese and japanese decorative features were on these shakudo hilts. it is certain that VOC (dutch east india company) was the sole importer.at the moment it is not yet known if the company only imported Hilts and sword mounts and that they were asembled in Holland or if blades were exported were all these parts were assembled in Deshima near Nagasaki.
it is unknown if eastern hilt smiths worked in Holland.
the shakudo hilts are of extreme high quality and workmanship.
best regards
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