Sword, Scabbard, D47.559

Long sword - katana. Hilt bound with rayskin and bound with brown cord. Menuki of some mythological creature in gold and some dark metal. Kashira and fuchi are of brass and without a design. No tsuba; therefore, this may be an aikuchi mount (i.e. without a guard), but there is no habaki (fitting on blade below guard to ensure a tight fit in scabbard) so it is likely tsuba etc. are missing. Plain black scabbard with kurikata but no cord. Surface of scabbard is in poor condition with lacquer cracked off in large patches and large cracks. Lacquer has a 'bubbled' appearance. Blade is quite narrow compared to others in the collection. Some pitting and discolouration on surface of blade. Straight harmon (temper line). Hilt can be removed from tang (bamboo peg is missing). Some rust on tang and an inscription is present of both sides of tang.

Locality: Japan