SA: A TACHI IN KOSHIRAE By Sa, signed Sa
Japan, mid-17^th century, early Edo period (1615-1868)

The blade:
The slender, finely curved blade with shinogi-zukuri and iori mune, the hamon is gunome-midare with a high proportion of nie as well as several ashi, the hada is ko-itame with some nagare. The nakago is ubu with one mekugi-ana, no yasurime, the tip is kuri jiri.

The mounting:
The copper tsuba of maru gata form with two hitsu and chased decorations, the copper fuchi and kashira with fine horizontal file marks, the gilt menuki depicting a sinuously coiled dragon. The gilt copper habaki with diagonal file marks to the short sides. The lacquered saya with copper fittings decorated with reddish-gold seaweed roundels on a black ground with gold sprinkles and streaks reminiscent of wood grain.

NAGASA 81.7, LENGTH 85 cm (the blade) and 136 cm (the koshirae)

Condition: The blade is in good condition with some surface wear as well as minor fukure and ware, the kissaki with a minuscule chip and the tip slightly bent. The mounts are in good condition with minor wear and nicks, occasional light scratches. One menuki is lost.
Provenance: Austrian private collection.