Description:
A KATANA IN KOSHIRAE
Japan, c. 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The blade:
A long katana, its shape shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, the hamon is suguha and partly gunome-midare with much nie, the hada is itame. The tang is ubu with one mekugi-ana, the yasurime is o-sujikai, the tang tip is kurijiri, mumei.
The mounting:
Circular iron tsuba with ryohitsu, decorated on both sides with a dense, parallel line pattern and inlaid with gold on the lined and lightly notched edge. The bronze fuchi with nanakoji, the kashira is smooth and blackened. Both menuki in the shape of gilt scaled dragons. The saya is lacquered with a red-black leather pattern, the fittings as well as kurigata with black lacquer. With sageo and a richly decorated brocade cover, showing for example red-crowned cranes (tancho tsuru), symbols of longevity.
NAGASA 70.4 cm
total LENGTH in koshirae 104 cm
Provenance: Czech private collection.
Condition: The blade is in very good condition with minor blemishes on the surface. The saya shows signs of wear to the lacquer.