Katana (sword)
Date1600s, with later mountings
Mediumsteel, copper, brass, rayskin, wood and fabric
Dimensions95 cm (37 3/8 in.), 2 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.336
DescriptionSteel. Single edged slightly curved blade tapering to a point at reinforced back edge. Small amount of good tempering near point. Copper habaki (sleeve) with chiseled line pattern on blade below guard. Wooden tsuka (grip) covered with rayskin. Copper-alloy fuchi (collar) at base of grip decorated as a tree stump at cutting edge side & pine branches at either side of it. Signed. Copper-alloy kashira (pommel) decorated with winged bird on top face. Kashira and fuchi match each other, but not tsuba.
Circular tsuba with 2 cutouts (riobitsu). Tsuba decorated on both faces with small grouping of trees and 6 flying birds. Iron tsuba with gold decoration. Trace of red painted number "E9623". Photo in digital file.
ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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