Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
Blade inscribed by Kawachino Kamifujiwara Rai[...] Japanese
Grip ornament (menuki) inscribed by Kikuchi Tsunesada Japanese
Sword hilt collar (fuchi) inscribed by Yoshioka Tadatsugu Japanese
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.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.