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


Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryThe saya (scabbard) of black lacquer, the tsuka (hilt) covered in rayskin with standard silk tsukamaki wrapping in lozenge pattern, the kashira black lacquer, the fuchi of gold, chiselled with a partial view of the Shishinden palace building and the Ukon no tachibana mandarin-orange tree with a dancer's cap, signed Sasaki Sadakata with a kao, the gilt menuki in the form of shishi, the tsuba of shakudo nanako chiselled in shakudo and gilt with peonies, signed Shokasai Mitsuhiro, the shakudo nanako and gilt kozuka with a goose and boat; wood tsukuri blade; silk cord; with a brocade bag. 63.3cm (24 7/8in) long. (2).