Katana (sword)

Artistsigned by Yoshimitu Masatsugu (Japanese)

Date1700s, with later mountings

Mediumsteel

Dimensions91.4 cm (36 in.), 1 lb, 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.333.1

DescriptionSteel. Single-edged slightly curved blade with reinforced back tapering to sharp point. Copper sleeve (habaki) encasing blade at tang. Tsuba missing. Two copper or bronze washers (seppa) with cut edges. Wooden grip (tsuka) covered with rayskin wrapped with dark-colored cord encasing 2 menuki, 1 on each side. Brass cross-hatched fuchi (ferrule) at base of grip & similar one forming pommel (kashira). Pommel top & 1 side of sleeve with 3 black-painted or lacquered brass canister-shaped devices, possibly a mon. Opposite, on band at base of hilt is similarly formed device consisting of 3 stylized flowers forming a circle.

Menuki are large, in the form of phoenix-like birds (hō-ō), executed in shakudo (?) with gold and silver overlay. Photo in digital file.
Label TextNowhere is the process of steelmaking more visible than on the blade of a Japanese sword. The blade is typically laminated from various grades of steel, then heat-treated to give extra hardness to the edge. The swordmaker covers the blade with a clay mixture, then scrapes away part of the clay to expose the edge. The blade is heated, then quenched in water. The exposed edge cools quickly, making it very hard, while the clay-insulated back cools more slowly. To prevent the clay breaking off from the sudden change in temperature, the swordmaker carves in nicks along the edge. These appear as a decorative line between the misty, hardened edge on this blade, and the brighter, softer steel behind it.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on May 31, 1927 from Walpole Galleries (NY), their cat. no. 453, lot. no. 37. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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