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Long sword (katana), one of a set of two
Long sword (katana), one of a set of two

Long sword (katana), one of a set of two

Artist (Japanese)
Date1462
PeriodMuromachi period (1392-1573)
MaterialsSteel, sharkskin, lacquer, bronze, and gold
DimensionsL. 35 in, L. 88.9 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB64W15
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsArms And Armament
On View
Not on view
SignedSigned "Osafune Norimitsu"
More Information
It was the exclusive right and privilege of samurai of the Edo period (1615–1868) to wear a pair of swords called daisho, meaning “large and small.” This set of swords [B64W16, B64W15] is an early example of daisho from an era before their use became the formal custom. Their makers are of the Osafune school, one of the great schools of sword making. These swords were probably paired around 1479, when they were fitted with identically decorated sword guards (tsuba) and scabbards.