Blade and Mounting for a Sword (Katana)

blade, 19th century; mounting, 19th century

Not on view

A katana is a sword with a curved blade longer than 60 cm fitted with an uchigatana-style mounting and worn in a waist sash with the cutting edge facing up.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Blade and Mounting for a Sword (Katana)
Date: blade, 19th century; mounting, 19th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel, wood, lacquer, rayskin (samé), thread, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), abolone shell, copper-silver alloy (shibuichi)
Dimensions: L. 37 7/8 in. (96.2 cm); L. of blade 36 1/4 in. (92.1 cm); L. of cutting edge 27 5/8 in. (70.2 cm); D. of curvature 9/16 in. (1.5 cm)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Object Number: 36.25.1745a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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