This set of large and small fuchigashira end caps with a millet ear design is considered a set of masterpieces by Araki Tomei, featuring nanako work (tiny grains reminiscent of fish roe covering the metal surface, made through chasing) applied to a base made of shakudo (an alloy of copper and gold), and ornaments representing ears of millet in colored high relief. These pieces are carved in high relief, with each grain of millet clearly formed, for a remarkable three-dimensional representation, placing these among the best of Tomei’s works featuring ears of millet.
