Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)

Swordsmith Blade inscribed by Kawachino Kamifujiwara Rai[...] Japanese

Fittings maker Grip ornament (menuki) inscribed by Kikuchi Tsunesada Japanese

Fittings maker Sword hilt collar (fuchi) inscribed by Yoshioka Tadatsugu Japanese

blade, 18th century; mounting, 18th–early 19th century

Not on view

Crushed abalone shells incorporated into the lacquer of this wakizashi scabbard give it a green, shimmering finish, offsetting the slightly raised, gilded cherry blossoms clustered near the tip. The engraved silver mounts feature Chinese dragons, swastika (manji) latticework, and peonies.

Artwork Details

Title: Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
Swordsmith: Blade inscribed by Kawachino Kamifujiwara Rai[...] (Japanese, active 18th century)
Fittings maker: Grip ornament (menuki) inscribed by Kikuchi Tsunesada (Japanese, active 18th century)
Fittings maker: Sword hilt collar (fuchi) inscribed by Yoshioka Tadatsugu (Japanese, active 18th century)
Date: blade, 18th century; mounting, 18th–early 19th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel, wood, lacquer, gold, abalone shell, iron, silver, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper, silk
Dimensions: L. 29 1/2 in. (74.9 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 2.7 oz. (983.7 g)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
Object Number: 2018.833.18a–h
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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