Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)

Swordsmith Blade attributed to Fusamune of Soshu Japanese

Fittings maker Sword guard (Tsuba) inscribed by Sōheishi Sōtensai Japanese

blade, late 15th–early 16th century; mounting, 18th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 378

Fusamune is well-known among the many swordsmiths who worked in Sagami Province (Sōshū) during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Typical of the style of the late Sōshū school, this blade has tempering effects (hitatsura) visible throughout the surface of the blade, as well as engraving. The luxurious late eighteenth-century mounting is of top quality.

Artwork Details

Title: Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
Swordsmith: Blade attributed to Fusamune of Soshu (Japanese, active ca. late 15th–early 16th century)
Fittings maker: Sword guard (Tsuba) inscribed by Sōheishi Sōtensai (Japanese, active 18th century)
Date: blade, late 15th–early 16th century; mounting, 18th century
Geography: Kanagawa Prefecture
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel, wood, lacquer, ray skin (samé), silk, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, silver
Dimensions: L. 29 3/4 in. (75.7 cm); L. of blade 24 3/8 in. (62 cm); L. of cutting edge 19 5/8 in. (50 cm); D. of curvature 3/8 in. (0.9 cm)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., in memory of Dr. Frederick M. Pedersen, 2007
Object Number: 2007.478.1a–i
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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