Before
the Meji restoration in 1868, it was the right and privilege of the samurai to
wear a pair of swords.The pair is called daisho, which consists of a katana and
a wakizashi. The use of the pair of swords was strictly reserved for the samurai
class during Edo eras.
This
is a beautifully hand-carved 19th century wakizashi short sword. It has an ivory
eagle finial on the sword handle, and a carved ivory shishi on the opposite end
of the shield. The wakizashi mountings are carved in deep relief on what believed
to be bone, which depicts an intricate carvings of eight scenes, with a total
of 16 samurai engaging in apparently a sea battle. These figures are very spirited,
their well arranged composition and intricate motifs leave plenty for the eyes.
The mountings of the wakizashi are beautifully polished, both the ivory and bone
shield have an original aged gold cream patina with a even shine to the piece.
We observed no cracks, no losses, no damages, and is in excellent condition.
