芒蒔絵鞘突兵拵 Blade and Mounting for a Sword (Katana)

Fittings maker Fittings inscribed by 高本秀宗 Takamoto Hidemune Japanese

blade, 16th century; mounting, 19th century

Not on view

The style of this mounting, known as toppei-koshirae, emerged at the end of the Edo period (1615–1868). It reflects the influence of Western infantry swords at a time when Japan was modernizing its armed forces. The fittings, including a hilt collar dated 1871, are masterworks by Takamoto Hidemune (高本秀宗, 1819–1887), who had trained with one of the last great masters of the Edo period, Tanaka Kiyotoshi (田中清寿, 1804–1876). The scabbard is decorated with a delicate makie lacquer décor in the form of Chinese silver grass. The blade is unsigned, but exhibits the style of the Late Seki (Sue-Seki) smiths of the 16th century.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: 芒蒔絵鞘突兵拵 Blade and Mounting for a Sword (Katana)
Fittings maker: Fittings inscribed by 高本秀宗 Takamoto Hidemune (Japanese, 1819–1887)
Date: blade, 16th century; mounting, 19th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Steel, wood, lacquer, leather, gold, iron
Dimensions: L. 32 18 in. (81.6 cm); L. of blade 28 1/4 in. (71.8 cm); L. of cutting edge 22 3/16 in. (56.4 cm); D. of curvature 3/8 in. (0.9 cm)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Object Number: 36.25.1728a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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