Daisho in Handachi-Koshirae, 17th century

Pair of swords in Handachi mounting

Forged steel, lacquer, silver, brass, copper and Mother of pearl, partly gilded

Length (Langschwert)90 cm

Length (Kurzschwert)63 cm

Place of originNihon

Status

on display, room 003

About the workLasting between 1603 and 1867, the Edo period in Japan was characterised by prosperity and peace. During this time, the warrior caste of the samurai became the state’s highest-ranking social class. They were governed by a strict code of conduct and honour, which included carrying two swords in public. As a result, these original melee weapons developed into status symbols. On this pair of swords, a dragon motif adorns the silver guard, while the silver hilt is decorated with vine patterns.

AccessionGift of Bruno Werdelmann 2004

Provenance[...]; mind. 24.5.1985 Klefisch, Köln; 24.5.1985 - 25.10.2004 Prof. Dr. Dr. hc. Bruno Werdelmann (1920 – 2010), Ratingen, erworben von Klefisch, Köln, 29. Auktion, Katalog Nr. 26; 25.10.2004 erworben durch Schenkung von Bruno Werdelmann

Inventory numberP 2005-1071 a, b

Contact

sammlung@kunstpalast.de

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https://sammlung.kunstpalast.de/en/objects/429563/daisho-in-handachikoshirae

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