1993

Wakizashi Sword with Saya

Dated: circa 1845

Culture: Japanese

Measurements: overall length 27 ½ inches (69.8cm)

This Edo-period Japanese sword by Fuyuhiro features a silk-wrapped handle of sharkskin (tsukamaki), and a scalloped tsuba adorned by an intricate wave pattern. The blade comes complete with a shirasaya, literally “white scabbard”, crafted of nurizaya wood for proper blade storage.

Yataghan Sword with Grip of Walrus Tusk Ivory

Dated: 1727-1728/A.H. 1140

Culture: Ottoman

Medium: steel with walrus tusk ivory, inlaid in gold (sword); leather, incised and stamped gold (scabbard)

Measurements: 21 ¼ × 1 ¼ inches (53.98 × 3.18 cm)

Weaponry was as much a part of courtly life as it was a part of combat, and many weapons were made as presentation pieces rather than for use on the battlefield. This sword, known in Turkish as a yataghan, was likely a showpiece carried by a Janissary, a member of the elite Ottoman troops.

Embellished with gold and paired with an impressed leather scabbard, the sword features a bifurcated handle made of walrus tusk, an uncommon material in the Islamic world that may have come from Russia, which borders walrus habitats in the Arctic Ocean.

Khyber Knife

Dated: circa 1800

Provenance: Indopersia

Measurements: overall length 62.5 cm

The knife has a ong, straight, single-edged blade with “T”-back. The first is part decorated with floral motifs in gold, and inscriptions on one side, while the iron hilt is decorated en suite, with grip scales of silver sheet. It has a wooden scabbard with fabric covering.

Kora Sword

Dated: 19th century

Culture: Nepalese

Measurements: overall length 27 ½" (69.8cm); blade length 21" (53.3cm); tip width 8" (20.3cm)

These unusual weapons were used both in battle and for animal sacrifice ceremonies. The blade is sharp on the concave side and comes to a thick and massive tip being able to deliver a powerful cut. The double hollow ground blade has a very thick back edge and the “eye” is only on one side of the blade. The handle is all steel.

Field Marshal’s Sword

Dated: circa 1900

Culture: Japanese

Medium: steel, gold, leather

Provenance: presented to George V on October 29th, 1918 by Emperor Yoshihito of Japan who deputed Prince Yorihito of Higashi-Fushimi to bring the sword over to England to present it. This is the only sword of its type outside Japan

The sword has a grip of tampered steel encased in part with gold panels engraved with scrolling foliage and flowers. The centre features applied gold flowerheads, while the top is pierced for suede carrying strap with faceted tassels. The sword a pommel and pierced shellguard.