many harmonious rice fields

Wakizashi Sword

Dated: 19th century

Culture: Japanese

Measurements: overall length 64.5 cm; blade length 43.7 cm

The blade features a visible hamon and hada and a nakago with one mekugi-ana mumei and a copper habaki. The interesting tsuba making has an ‘iron heart’ between two brass plates, while the upper one is sengraved with lozenge patterns. The lower one has a fur-like pattern.

The shakudo fuchi-kashira is decorated en suite (half with lozenge, half with fur pattern) and its partially gilt menuki depicts animals. The red lacquered saya has black dots and floral decorations, while the shakudo mounts are decorated en suite. The kozuka has a brass grip and a mei blade.

loved the serene atmosphere of motokaji.

Imperial Guard Officer Horse Grenadier Sword

Dated: 1811

Culture: French

Measurements: overall length 1.17 m; weight: 1.964 kg (1.28 kg without scabbard)

This “Grenadier à Cheval de la garde” sword features a brass and leather scabbard; the sword is very similar to the second model for the Horse Grenadier troop. It could have also belong to a Empress’s Dragoon officer or to an officer of the Cuirassiers since the steel blade is straight and not curved. The scabbard is signed “Henri Lefevre” who apparently was “fourbisseur” (furbisher) in Paris on Rue Saint-Denis.

Mounting for a Tachi type Sword

Dated: Edo period, 17th century

Culture: Japanese

Measurements: overall 109.5 x 15.5 cm (43 1/8 x 6 1/8 in.)

Medium: silk, leather, gold Tsunagi (wooden blade): Honaki wood (Magnolia Obovata)