A koshira-e (mounting) for a katana (long sword)


Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryThe saya (scabbard) of aventurine shell suspended in polished black lacquer, the kojiri and kurikata of black lacquer, the tsuka (hilt) covered in rayskin with standard silk tsukamaki wrapping in lozenge pattern, the shakudo and gold menuki each in the form of a ho-o bird, the fuchigashira of shakudo nanako with mixed-metal relief decoration of peonies in copper and gilding respectively of a waterfall and blossoms and a lone fisherman by the seashore, the tsuba of shakudo nanako with relief decoration of birds, rocks, waves, and bamboo grass, the details in gilt, the kozuka and kogai of shakudo nanako with relief decoration of daikon (giant radish), the details in silver and gilt, the kozuka with indistinct signature Goto Denjo; wood tsukuri blade; with a brocade bag. 97.5cm (38 3/8in) long. (2).