Blade and Mounting for a Sword (Katana)

Unknown

blade, 17th century; mounting, 19th century · Steel, wood, silver, iron, copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper, gold · Arms and Armor

This sword mounting is made of silver decorated in various metals with a design of waves, fish, and aquatic plants. The edge of the hilt and scabbard are wrought with a design that represents bamboo. The maker, Iwamoto Kansai (岩本寛斎, active 19th century), was a student of the eighth and last master of the famous Edo-based Iwamoto School of sword fittings makers.

Artist

Unknown

Date

blade, 17th century; mounting, 19th century

Medium

Steel, wood, silver, iron, copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper, gold

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

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