art-of-swords: Japanese Katana Sword Dated: mid-19th Century Culture: Japanese Measurements: blade: 27 1/8” length. Overall: 36 1/2” length This rare and exceptional katana sword represents the very pinnacle of Japanese weapon craftsmanship. The handle is covered in white samé, the cured skin of a ray shark (commonly referred to as “shagreen”), and is intricately wrapped in a technique known as tsuka-ito. Its heavy single-edged blade exhibits the graceful curvature, known as sori, which gives the katana its trademark elegance. Truly a magnificent weapon, the katana has historically been associated with the samurai of feudal Japan beginning in the 15th century. These swords have become renowned for their extraordinary sharpness and cutting ability, which allowed the samurai to draw and cut their enemy in a single motion. Source: Copyright © 2013 M.S. Rau Antiques LLC. Katana

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