Sword with Scabbard Mounts
Ancient Japanese swords and swords imported from Asian mainland in ancient times are classified on the basis of the interpretation of their pommels, here interpreted in the form of an archaic lion (shishikami or </i>shikami</i>) whose upper jaw forms the lower edge of the pommel which borders to the hilt. Most such hilts were excavated in eastern Japan, primarily in Shizuoka and Gunma Prefectures, and the fact that no such specimen have yet been discovered in western Japan and Korea suggests that we are facing here an indigenous and rather local pommel interpretation.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sword with Scabbard Mounts
- Date: 6th century
- Geography: Gunma Prefecture
- Culture: Japanese
- Medium: Iron, bronze, copper, gold, silver
- Dimensions: L. 29 in. (73.7 cm)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1932
- Object Number: 32.13.3a, b
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Japanese
6th century
probably Japanese
6th century
Japanese
6th–7th century
Japanese
6th century
Chinese
ca. 600
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