Blade for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)

Swordsmith Blade inscribed by Katsmitsu Japanese

Swordsmith Blade inscribed by Harumitsu Japanese

late 15th–early 16th century

Not on view

The blade is a typical sixteenth-century example of the Osafune school, the largest school of sword-making in Japan.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Blade for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
Swordsmith: Blade inscribed by Katsmitsu (Japanese, active 16th century)
Swordsmith: Blade inscribed by Harumitsu (Japanese, active 16th century)
Date: late 15th–early 16th century
Geography: Okayama Prefecture
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel
Dimensions: L. of blade 28 3/4 in. (73 cm); L. of cutting edge 22 11/16 in. (57.6 cm); D. of curvature 13/16 in. (2.1 cm)
Classification: Sword Blades
Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Object Number: 36.25.1681a–c
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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