Selection of Fine Antique Japanese Sword Mountings

Item Details

A small collection of fine Japanese sword mountings. Featured is a fuchi (縁) hilt collar, a sword fitting which would be placed between the tsuka handle and the tsuba hand guard. The collar features a samurai warrior holding a bow and sword while wading through deep water on horseback surrounded by stylized waves. On the verso, it is signed ‘Mine Ryū Dō, Katsushige Masa’ (峯龍堂, 勝茂正).

Also of note is a kashira (頭) butt cap which would have been situated at the end of the tsuka handle. The piece features a fierce samurai warrior gripping a bow in his mouth while mounted on horseback, embellished with gold-tone overlay. The raised design continues on the side of the piece alongside stylized waves and side openings for the tsuka-ito handle wrapping. Also included is a pair of menuki (目貫) handle ornaments featuring 5-3 Paulownia crests (五三桐 go san kiri). Originally designed to obscure the mekugi handle pins, they are typically situated under the tsuka-ito wrappings. 1938.0163.2, 3, 5 & 6.

Provenance
Collected in the late 19th and early 20th century and donated to a Private Midwestern Institution in 1938
Sold to enhance and preserve the Institution’s mission-relevant Collections

Condition

- some wear to gold tone overlay.

Dimensions

Item #

17COL077-151