Collection
Mountings for Matched Set of Long and Short Swords
| Mountings for Matched Set of Long and Short Swords |
| Total lengths: long sword 101.3 cm, short sword 63.9 cm; Momoyama to Edo period, late 16th to early 17th century; Gift of the Ii Family |
These red-lacquered scabbards wound with metal bands are said to have been designed for a set of long and short swords for second daimyo Ii Naotaka. The striking contrast in color reflects the Ii family tradition—extending from the daimyo to his retainers—of using red for battle gear. On the wooden part of the hilt is an inscription in sumi ink: “Kamenosuke-sama,” the childhood name of third daimyo Ii Naosumi (1625–1676), suggesting that the set might have been worn by him when he was young.
