沃懸地塗 Ikekaji-nuri

What is Ikekaji-nuri in Japanese Katana terminology?

Ikekaji-nuri is a gold sprinkling technique used for the decoration of sword fittings. Gold powder or gold mud is sprinkled or painted on the surface of the sword fittings, and then polished. This technique was often seen from the Heian period to the Kamakura period, but continues to modern times. Items with mother-of-pearl added to the Ikekaji-nuri are called ""Ikekaji-nuri Raden"", and those using thin pieces of metal are called "Ikekaji-nuri Hirabun".