Katana (long sword of a daisho set)
Culture
Japanese
Dateearly 1400s, mountings of early 1800s
Mediumsteel; grip of wood, ray skin, silk cord; fittings of iron, copper alloys, gold, silver
Dimensions89.5 x 7.3 x 6 cm (35 1/4 x 2 7/8 x 2 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineGift of Mrs. E. D. Buffington
Object number1917.69.1
DescriptionDaisho set with 1917.70.1-3.Short steel blade with mokume hada (wood-grain texture of steel). Tang (nakago) has a disused peg-hole (mekugi-ana), proving the blade has been remounted at least once. Grip of ray skin, with silk cord braided and showing bronze ornaments on grip. Fittings of copper alloy inlaid with gold and shakudo, bearing samurai themes (samurai, helmet, bow, sword).
Tsuba of russeted iron with chiseled openwork, carved with samurai figures and inlaid with gold, silver, shakudo, and other copper alloys. Fittings from the early 19th century; tsuba signed Goshu-ju Takamitsu.
Photo of fittings in digital file.
ProvenanceGift of Mrs. E. D. Buffington
On View
Not on view
1600s, with later mountings
