VOL.203 MAY 2025
[SPRING SPECIAL ISSUE] VARIOUS VARIETIES OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN (PART 2): ADMIRING THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT CASTLES IN JAPAN
[The Beauty of Japanese Swords] Short Sword Mounting with Peony Metal Fittings and Plum-Blossom Ray Skin Scabbard
Important cultural property: Short Sword Mounting with Peony Metal Fittings and Plum-Blossom Ray Skin Scabbard
(Total length: 55 cm)
Photo: ColBase
Short swords (koshigatana) are designed to be worn directly at the waist and measure between 35 and 55 centimeters in length. Most short swords do not have handguards. This short sword was made in the 14th century, and it has a magnificent scabbard. Experts have said of this sword: “The decoration of weapons and armor was greatly emphasized during the… period”1 and “This short sword mounting is an important example of such ornamental display.”2 The sword is currently in the collection of the Kyoto National Museum.
The hilt has an attached hilt collar of gilt bronze3 with openwork4 of ebotan, peony blooming on a branch designs.5 The scabbard is wrapped in plum-blossom ray skin,6 which has been covered with black lacquer and then polished to reveal a plum blossom pattern.
- 1, 2. Quoted from e-National Treasures
- 3. Gilt bronze: Copper or bronze that is plated with gold or coated with gold leaf.
- 4. Openwork: A technique used to create decorative patterns by carving out metal or other solid materials. Also, decorative patterns created by this technique.
- 5. The design is used in craftwork patterns and family crests.
- 6. Plum-blossom ray skin: The skin of the kairagi-zame (lit. “plum-blossom shark,”also known as the porcupine ray), a species of ray. Named for the plum blossom-shaped hard protrusions on its back, its skin was prized for its decorative qualities.
