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Long sword (katana) blade and mounting
Long sword (katana) blade and mounting

Long sword (katana) blade and mounting

Place of OriginJapan
DateApprox. 1500
PeriodMuromachi period (1392-1573)
Materialsforged and tempered steel blade; sharkskin with black lacquer; gold and bronze
DimensionsL. 36 in, L. 91.4 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB64W8
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsArms And Armament
On View
On view
LocationGallery 27
More Information
Samurai of the Edo period (1615–1868) wore two swords, called daisho, meaning “large and small.” These swords were thrust into a sash. This pair (B64W7 and B64W8) of a long and a short sword became the samurai’s symbol; to wear daisho was the samurai’s exclusive right and privilege.
Subject
  • samurai