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


Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryThe saya (scabbard) of rayskin polished flat and filled with black lacquer, the kurikata of silver gilt, the other scabbard fittings of black lacquer, the tsuka (hilt) covered with standard silk tsukamaki wrapping in lozenge pattern, the shakudo menuki each in the form of a shishi, the fuchigashira of shakudo and gold, each in the form of a brushwood fence, the tsuba of iron with a silverered rim, chiselled and pierced with six alternating minogame (turtles with a 'tail' of weed) and chrysanthemum motifs embellished in gilt; wood tsukuri blade; silk cord; with a brocade bag. 100cm (39 3/8in) long. (2).