Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
The Tsunahiro School of swordsmiths existed from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth century, with eleven generations of smiths entitled to sign the name. Dated Tsunahiro blades are extremely rare. Based on the style of the temper line, known as hitatsura, the katana (acc. no. 36.25.1686a, b) and this wakizashi can be attributed to the early generations of the school.
The beautiful black lacquered scabbards were specially made for these two blades in the eighteenth century. The ribbed pattern of the lacquer is known as fuemaki design.
The beautiful black lacquered scabbards were specially made for these two blades in the eighteenth century. The ribbed pattern of the lacquer is known as fuemaki design.
Artwork Details
- Title: Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
- Bladesmith: Tang inscribed by Tsunahiro (Japanese, 16th century–early 17th century)
- Date: blade, 16th century
- Culture: Japanese
- Medium: Steel, wood, lacquer, rayskin (samé), thread, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), silver, horn
- Dimensions: L. 24 13/16 in. (63.1 cm); L. of blade 21 11/16 in. (55.1 cm); L. of cutting edge 15 15/16 in. (40.5 cm); D. or curvature 3/8 in. (0.9 cm)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
- Object Number: 36.25.1686a, b
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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