"Kai-gunto" Pattern Sword for a Naval Officer
Artist
Hibino Kanemichi
Culture
Japan
(Tokyo arsenal)
Dateprobably 1937–1945
Mediumsteel, wood, copper alloys, gilding, cord and rayskin
Dimensions90.2 × 64.1 cm (35 1/2 × 25 1/4 in.), 2 lb, 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsArsenal stamp at top of tang.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.335
DescriptionSingle edged slightly curved blade with reinforced back. Square guard ('tsuba') with heart-shaped cutout in each corner. Both faces decorated with floral motifs. Long grip covered in rayskin & wrapped with blue cord. A 'menuki' consisting of 4 flowers present on both faces. Pommel cap decorated to match 'tsuba'.Label TextUntil the end of World War II, the Japanese military continued the age-old tradition of carrying swords in combat. The kai-gunto was based on the ancient tachi, or “slung sword,” and was a dress arm carried by naval officers. Allied forces in the Pacific captured vast numbers of swords, some of which contained ancient blades. Of the more than six hundred thousand edged weapons estimated in American hands shortly after the war, nearly one-half were promptly destroyed in compliance with orders for Japanese disarmament. ProvenanceGift of Donald R. McKay (Amherst, MA) on November 4, 1982. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
1600s, with later mountings
Japanese
about 1900, based on elements from the 1700s and 1800s
late 1800s
