Blades and Mountings for a Pair of Swords (Daishō)

Naotane Taikei|Honjō Yoshitane|Yukinaka

blades, dated 1839; mountings, 19th century · Steel, wood, lacquer, rayskin, silk, iron, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper, gold, silver, copper-silver alloy (shibuichi) · 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|Honjō Yoshitane|Yukinaka

Date

blades, dated 1839; mountings, 19th century

Medium

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

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

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