Svastika or Wan Character on Chinese and Korean fittings
			 
			 
			
		
		
		
			
			The twin dragon Chinese Ming dynasty HuShou (guard) has been imported/exported to Japan and modified with Kogai-hitsu-Ana (by-knife hole) to accomodate the custom of carrying a by-knife with the katana.  The dragons are on the handle side, while the blade side shows the swastika/Wan (ten thousand character).  If it weren't for the seppa/washer of the sword, all the swastika false-damascening would be rubbed off.  (this is from my own collection) 
 
The Korean Hwando has Chinese and Japanese elements.  Close inspection of the pommel shows the swastika/Wan character pattern, also applied by false-damascening technique.  (this was found on the internet)
		 
		
		
		
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	 |