Japanese Edo Wood, Iron, Steel & Nacre Naginata

East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. A beautiful example of a "naginata" (literally "mowing down sword" or "reaping sword"). The lacquered wooden pole has an iron pommel in the shape of a crescent, a midsection that is tightly wrapped with twisted string, and an upper body that features hundreds of petite inlaid nacre fragments. The lengthy steel blade has a lightly curved profile, a sharpened edge, a thick spine, and a pointed tip, with two grooves along each side filled with vermilion-hued lacquer. A form-fitting blade sheath accompanies the weapon and boasts lustrous black-lacquered surfaces. Size: 2.25" W x 70.75" H (5.7 cm x 179.7 cm).

According to ancient weapons expert Harvey J.S. Withers, "[The naginata] was a common polearm used by Samurai warriors and is most commonly associated with the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (1338-1573). The naginata comprised a lacquered (sometimes inlaid with mother-of-pearl) wooden pole approximately 2m (6.5 ft) in length. Onto this was forged a curved blade in very much the same way as traditional katana blades - and, indeed, many naginatas were actually mounted with recycled katana blades. The blade, or nakago, or a naginata was secured onto the pole by a single peg, or mekugi." (Withers, Harvey J.S. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres. Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 80)

Condition: Chipping to some lacquered areas, nacre inlays, and blade sheath, with minor abrasions to handle, and slight bending to overall form of blade. Nice patina throughout.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in November 2006; ex-private Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan collection

Condition: Chipping to some lacquered areas, nacre inlays, and blade sheath, with minor abrasions to handle, and slight bending to overall form of blade. Nice patina throughout.

Auction Date: Thu, Feb 27, 2020 11:00 AM GMT-4 / Estimate $2,000 - $3,000

Source: www.liveauctioneers.com/item/82092767_japanese-edo-wood-iron-steel-and-nacre-naginata