Blade for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)

15th century

Not on view

A wakizashi is a short sword with a blade between 30 and 60 cm long, usually worn in tandem with a full-length sword (katana). Wakizashi were fashionable in the Muromachi period (1392–1573) and later.

Artwork Details

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Title: Blade for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
Date: 15th century
Geography: Osaka Prefecture
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel
Dimensions: L. of blade 22 15/16 in. (58.2 cm); L. of cutting edge 17 15/16 in. (45.6 cm); D. of curvature 1/8 in. (0.9 cm)
Classification: Sword Blades
Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Object Number: 36.25.1683a–d
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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