Blade and Mounting for a Sword (Katana)

Naotane Taikei|Yukinaka|Honjō Yoshitane

blade, dated 1839; mounting, 19th century · Steel, wood, lacquer, rayskin (samé), silk, iron, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper, gold, silver · Arms and Armor

Although both blades are by Naotane, that of the long sword (katana) is made in the Bizen style, while that of the short sword (wakizashi) is made in the Sōshū style. The engraving on both is attributed to Yoshitane, who decorated many of Naotane's blades.

Artist

Naotane Taikei|Yukinaka|Honjō Yoshitane

Date

blade, dated 1839; mounting, 19th century

Medium

Steel, wood, lacquer, rayskin (samé), silk, iron, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper, gold, silver

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Brayton Ives and W. T. Walters, 1891