Artwork preview

Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)

Naotane Taikei

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Steel blade with curved shape and tapering point. The blade has a blackened section near the tip with a single rivet hole. A metal inlay with geometric patterns is on the left side. Japanese characters are inscribed on the right side. Blade is on a clear stand.

Artwork Details

Date
blade, dated 1839; mounting, early–mid 19th century
Medium
Steel, wood, lacquer, rayskin (samé), thread, iron, copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), gold, silver
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
600 × 240 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette