Blade for a Sword (Katana)

late 15th–early 16th century

Not on view

The Gassan school of swordsmiths was among the most celebrated in Japan. Blades with the distinctive concentrically curved grain pattern (ayasugi-hada) have been a specialty of the school since the fourteenth century. This katana, dating from the turn of the sixteenth century, has been shortened since its making, most likely to fit a subsequent owner.

Artwork Details

Title: Blade for a Sword (Katana)
Swordsmith: Gassan Mitsu[...] (probably Gassan Mitsunaga, Japanese, active late 15th–early 16th century)
Date: late 15th–early 16th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel
Dimensions: L. 35 3/4 in. (90.8 cm); W. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 11 oz. (765.4 g)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
Object Number: 2018.833.21a–e
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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