Blade with engraved snake for a long-sword (koto-katana) and mounting with dragon decoration, 16th century, Unknown Japanese; Artist: Tsuba by Ōmori Terumasa, 1 5/16 × 3/8 × 32 1/2 in. ( × × cm) (blade (c)), Steel and gold paint; mounting: wood, lacquer, shakudō, shibuichi, gold, ray skin, and silk; tsuba: shakudō, shibuichi, and gold; menuki: silver, Japan, 16th century, Sword manufacturing was introduced to Japan from the Asian mainland. The earliest known types of swords were straight and mostly 23 1/2 to 27 1/2 inches in length. They were made of bronze and used for stabbing

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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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