Wakizashi (short sword)

Artist Osafune, Norimitsu (Japanese)

Culture Japan , Bizen Province

Date1500s, with later fittings

Mediumsteel, iron, copper, silver, wood, ray skin, lacquer, and gilding

Dimensions61.5 × 7.3 cm (24 3/16 × 2 7/8 in.), 1 lb,10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.62.1

DescriptionTsuba of surface-treated copper, bears understated decoration consisting of crickets and plants on stippled background, with gilding. Menuki, fuchi, and kashira have similar floral theme, and are all probably matched; same material as the tsuba. White metal habaki.
ProvenancePurchased on 9 January 1936, as part of a group from Boston Antique Shop (Boston, MA), their item G-197. Paid $12 for lot HAM#2290.1-4 Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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