Four katana-kake [sword racks] | Edo - Taisho period, 19th - early 20th century

Four katana-kake [sword racks]

Edo - Taisho period, 19^th - early 20^th century

four lacquered sword stands of various form, and comprising:

- the first, decorated in gold hiramaki-e with Satsuma crests (Satsuma mon) on a black lacquer ground, Meiji period (late 19th century)

- the second, decorated in gold hiramaki-e on a black lacquer ground with scattered wisteria fronds and scrolling foliage, elaborate engraved copper-gilt fittings, Edo period (19th century)

- the third, decorated in gold hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, keuchi and inlaid in silver and mother of pearl, with a panel depicting cherry blossoms among foothills, the reverse with chrysanthemums and grasses, signed, the sides with chrysanthemums among swirling waters (kiku sui), Taisho period (early 20th century)

- the fourth, a rosewood sword cabinet and stand, decorated in gold

hiramaki-e, the rear panel carved with pine beneath Mount Fuji, continuing onto the sides, the drawers with further pine, sails on a lake, cranes in flight, crashing waves and farmer’s rakes, silver fittings, fundame rims, Meiji period (late 19th – early 20th century)

38 cm., 15 in. wide (the first)

72.2 cm., 28⅜ in. wide (the second)

41 cm., 16 in. wide (the third)

52 cm., 16½ in. wide (the fourth)