14k Gold & Copper Japanese SHAKUDO Fudo Myoo Samarai Sword Ring

For sale is a 14k yellow gold and Copper alloy SHAKUDO ring.  Another extraordinary ring from my father's estate. Shakudo refers to the metal from which this ring was crafted, which is a gold and copper alloy that was used by Japanese artisans during the 12-15th Centuries.  Because of the great expense of the gold in shakudo products, Japanese artisans used shakudo only for small decorative accents, most often on the hilt of a sword.  This ring was crafted to decorate the top of the hilt of a samarai sword, called the "kashiri".  The design is delicately carved to represent Fudo Myoo, a samarai warrior who is always depicted holding his ceremonial sword and coiled rope.  One of the five "wisdom kings," Fudo Myoo has a grotesquely fierce battle expression on his face, and gold flames coil around his head.  His armor, sword, and rope are decorated in solid gold, as are the flames behind his body and some of the elaborate edging.   The shakudo is carved on all sides and set in a simple silver frame.

Fudo Myoo and the Japanese Swordsman

The unmovable Fudo, known in India as Acala or Achalanatha, one of the many manifestations of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and reincarnation, is one of the Wisdom Kings (Myoo). He is a Japanese Buddhist deity, introduced by Kooboo Daishi about 806 and soon became a special protector of the Mountain Ascetics (yamabushi) who believed that an impressive waterfall was the personification of Fudo.

Fudo is typically portrayed holding a two-edged sword with a three-pronged hilt in his right hand and a coiled rope in his left hand. With this sword of wisdom, Fudo cuts through deluded and ignorant minds and with the rope he binds those who are ruled by their violent passions and emotions. He is sometimes pictured seated or standing upon a rock to symbolize his immovability. He is also depicted surrounded by flames, the result of his entering into a flame-emitting meditation (‘kasho zammai’). This fire is a symbol of purification and destroys all karmic hindrances.

The item shows normal wear for a pre-owned piece (light scratches, dings, dents and scuff marks.)   

Ring size:  13

Jeannie