Collection
Mountings for Matched Set of Long and Short Swords: Scabbards with Polished-out Plum Blossom Patterns
| Mountings for Matched Set of Long and Short Swords: Scabbards with Polished-out Plum Blossom Patterns |
| Total lengths: long sword 107.0 cm, short sword 75.4 cm; Edo period, 19th century; Gift of the Ii Family |
These ornate mountings were designed for substitute scabbards for twelfth daimyo Ii Naoaki’s set of katana (long) and wakizashi (short) swords. They are exquisitely decorated with bold patterns highlighted by vivid green stones. The sword guard (tsuba), the handle ornaments (menuki), and the hilt collar (fuchi) between guard and handle are decorated with aquatic motifs, including octopuses and a crescent moon against a wave pattern.
