Sword (original) and later handle, sword guard, and scabbard / Ietsugu

Viewer

Actions

file_download Download image 107 x 185 (JPEG) 214 x 370 (JPEG) 429 x 740 (JPEG) 859 x 1481 (JPEG)

About this Item

Record Details

Accession Number
1973/2.87
Title
Sword (original) and later handle, sword guard, and scabbard
Artist
Ietsugu
Artist Nationality
Japanese
Artist Life Dates
(active Ôei era, 1394 - 1427)
Medium and Support
forged steel blade and lacquer
Object Creation Date
1394-1427
Object Creation Place
Asia (continent)
Japan (nation)
Creation Place 1
Asia (continent)
Creation Place 2
Japan (nation)
Dimensions
96.5 cm x 4.3 cm (38 in. x 1 11/16 in.)
Primary Object Classification
Arms and Armor
Primary Object Type
sword
Secondary Object Classification
Metalwork
Secondary Object Type
sword
Physical Description
The sword is long and slightly curved; the handle cover is wrapped with black cords, mostly worn out. The round tsuba (sword guard) is made of steel and has two holes. The scabbard is painted with lacquer and has a string for hanging. There is a pair of lion-shaped menuki (fitting) on the handle.
Subject Matter
Long swords (tachi) were the most important belongings for samurai, almost as equal to their lives; as many tragic stories attest, samurai could commit suicide when his sword was taken, stolen, or lost.
Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/about/services/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Technical Details

Image Size
859 x 1481
File Size
169 KB
Record
1973/2.87
Link to this Item
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1973-sl-2.87/1973_2.87.jpg

Rights and Permissions

Portfolios

Manifest
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/i/image/api/manifest/musart:1973-SL-2.87:1973_2.87.JPG

Cite this Item

View the Help Guide for more information.

Full citation
"Sword (original) and later handle, sword guard, and scabbard; Ietsugu." In the digital collection University of Michigan Museum of Art. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1973-sl-2.87/1973_2.87.jpg. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 29, 2024.
Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.