蛭巻塗 Hirumakinuri Leech Wrap Lacquer

What is Hirumakinuri in Japanese Katana terminology?

This is a pattern applied by lacquer painting in a spiral shape. The pattern, which is applied to the surface of the handle or scabbard for reinforcement or decorative purposes, is so named because it looks like a leech wrapped around it. It was favored from the Heian period to the end of the Edo period. It is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi used a set of large and small sword fittings with a gold leech wrap applied to the vermilion lacquered scabbard.