Wakizashi Inscribed by Naotane (1778–1857)

Engraver: Engraved by Honjo Yoshitane (Japanese, Edo period, 19th century)

Date: dated 1839 Culture: Japanese

Medium: Steel

Dimensions: L. of blade 20 in (50.8 cm)

Classification: Swords Credit Line: Gift of Brayton Ives and W. T. Walters, 1891 Accession Number: 91.2.84

This blade for the short sword (wakizashi) by Naotane is made in the Soshu style. The engraving is attributed to Yoshitane, who decorated many of Naotane's blades. The matching long sword (katana), made in the Bizen style, is also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (91.2.56). Together the two form a pair.

*Editor's Note: Frustratingly the Metropolitan Museum of Art currently do not have the matching Katana on display nor do they currently have a photo available of it online. They have however provided measurements for the matching Katana, see below:

Blade and Mounting for a Sword (Katana)

Inscribed by Naotane (Japanese, 1778–1857)

Engraver: Engraved by Honjo Yoshitane (Japanese, Edo period, 19th century) Date: dated 1839 Culture: Japanese Medium: Steel Dimensions: L. with scabbard: 39-3/4"; L.
of blade, 31 in. Classification: Swords Credit Line: Gift of Brayton Ives and W. T. Walters, 1891 Accession Number: 91.2.56

Source (Wakizashi): www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/21913?rpp=20&pg=1&ao=on&ft=Naotane&pos=1

Source: (Katana): metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/21889