Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)

blade, 16th century; mounting, 19th century

Not on view

The fittings of this mounting are decorated with images of old coins, an auspicious symbol. The maker created the ribbed effect on the scabbard by coiling a strong around it, coating it with lacquer, then removing the string before the lacquer was completely dry. The method results in fine striations that appear to have been carved. The wide tip of the scabbard, referred to as denchū-kojiri or omeshi-kojiri, echoes a style used in equestrian sports of earlier periods, particularly falconry and the hunt.

Artwork Details

Title: Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)
Date: blade, 16th century; mounting, 19th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel, wood, brass, lacquer, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), ray skin (same), silk, silver
Dimensions: L. 30 1/4 in. (76.9 cm); L. of blade 27 3/16 in. (69.1 cm); L. of cutting edge 21 11/16 in. (55.1 cm); D. of curvature 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of Brayton Ives and W. T. Walters, 1891
Object Number: 91.2.52
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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