Japan, Meiji (1868 - 1912)
Typical and finely executed Kyu-Gunto, an army sword of a high officer, though in the later version. This type of Kyu-Gunto was introduced first around 1877; Fuller/Gregory write that most Kyu-Gunto still existing today probably come from the Russian-Japanese war (1904-1905).
Tsuba and handle mount form a unit and are out of brass. The open work Tsuba with Sakura motif flows into the slim bow. The Sakura (cherry blossom), symbolic for the historic samurai ethos, is repeated on the handle and on button for the lock of the blade. On the front of the handle a finely worked pattern, on the other side white Same (ray-skin). The Saya is covered with a shining red leather, partly tainted (signs of wear).
The Katana blade has Iorimune, Hi through the whole length, Hamon in suguha. The Nakago could not be inspected.
NAGASA 60,5 CM, TOTAL LENGTH IN SAYA 87,5 CM
From a Hungarian collection