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THBJapanese Koto-Muromachi Katana Sword, Koshirae & Saya
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveMar 20, 2025
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (267)
- Lot Description
East Asia, Japan, Bizen School, Sengoku Era / Momoyama Period, ca. 1573 to 1592 CE. A superb katana sword housed in a wood saya (sheath) featuring striking red and black nuri lacquer. Signed and dated at the bottom of the tang with "Bishu" and "Tensho," the sword originates from the renowned Bizen school of swordsmiths. This blade, likely from the latter half of the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Period), was crafted during the Momoyama period of the Muromachi era. The sword has undergone a modification known as o-suriage, where the blade has been shortened, and the original signature has been removed, a common practice to adapt older swords for later use. This suggests that the blade may have originally been a tachi, later converted into a katana. The sword retains its koshirae (mountings), with a steel blade fitted with a sterling silver-plated copper habaki (blade collar). The tsuba (guard) features intricate copper inlay, and the samegawa (stingray skin grip) is adorned with gilt-copper menuki charms in the form of bees, wrapped in tightly bound cotton cord. Above the tsuba, copper seppa rings provide stability, while a sterling silver fuchi with a relief dragon motif and a matching kashira (pommel cap) add to the sword's exquisite design. A sterling silver cap is also fitted at the end of the saya. Size in saya sheath: 34" L x 3" W (86.4 cm x 7.6 cm); blade: 24" L x 1.125" W (61 cm x 2.9 cm)
Provenance: private Burke, Virginia, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#192555Condition
Minor pitting to the blade, but excellent. Signature is cut off. Blade is very sharp handle with care. Small losses to silver plating on the habaki. Dark patina to silver areas. Koshirae are in good to great condition. Saya sheath has small loss to the opening rim with cracking and loss to lacquer in that area.
- Shipping Info
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All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.
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