Artwork preview

Blade and Mounting for a Double-Edged Dagger (Ken)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Double-edged dagger blade with pointed tip, straight edge, and narrow fuller. The blade's lower section near the tip appears darker. Two holes and a curved groove are visible near the bottom. The dagger's metal appears to transition from shiny and silver to dark near the bottom. It is set against a black background.

Artwork Details

Date
blade, late 16th–early 17th century; mounting, 19th century
Medium
Steel,wood, lacquer, baleen, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, silver, brass
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
154 × 622 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette