A koshira-e (mounting) for a wakizashi (short sword)


Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryThe saya (scabbard) of brown lacquer with latitudinal ribbing, the tsuka (hilt) covered in rayskin with standard silk tsukamaki wrapping in lozenge pattern, the mixed-metal menuki each in the form of a dragon and ken (ancient straight sword), the fuchigashira of copper with pine trees and seascapes in gold and shakudo, the tsuba of copper with silver rim, chiselled with a lion and peonies, the details gilt, the kozuka of shakudo with flat gold inlay of dragonfly and reeds by water, the kaeshizuno of horn; wood tsukuri blade; silk cord; with a brocade bag. 62.2cm (24½in) long. (2).