Katate Uchigatana Koshirae

A koshirae for a single handed sword that would have been used by a warrior on horseback as an auxiliary weapon to a tachi. Examples of these are very rare and sought after. The tsuka has a very nice hourglass form and is rather thin with black lacquer same wrapped in asa cords. The matching fuchikashira are in a light shakudo, possibly shibuichi which matches the material of the tsuba. The ko kinko gilt shishi menuki show good form with good patina. The tsuba is punched with star designs on the surface which still retain quite a bit of black lacquer from the fighting days. The kurikata of the saya still has its Momoyama period fittings which are carved from one piece rather than being a central piece with seppa. This style is known on high quality pieces during the sengoku period. In all a very rare and high quality piece. There are some flea bites to the saya lacquer and there are some minor spots of old urushi repair that are not noticeable and actually add to the beauty of this very well matched and restrained samurai piece.

Era: Momoyama period
 

 

$3,000