Width: 61cms
Date: 1686 (and 19th Century)
£12,500
Product Code: KPAC11
Artist / Company: Muneshige II
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A Japanese ‘Ken’ ritualistic sword, with a 17th century Yari blade mounted in a 19th century cloisonne scabbard (Saya). This is a very interesting and potentially unique item comprised of a 17th century blade and a later Meiji Period (1868-1912) scabbard. The Ken sword is a double edged blade made for esoteric Buddhist ritual.
The blade is waisted where it meets the brass collar (Hibaki) this distinctive shape is indicative of a Yari (Japanese spear), signed Hitachi no kami Minamoto no Muneshige.
The scabbard is divided into four sections, each decorated with scrolling polychrome chrysanthemum sprays on a turquoise ground, the hilt is in the form of a vajra, a very symbolic weapon seen in many Eastern religions. This mounting is Chinese looking in style but is Japanese, and would have been created in the Meiji Period probably to combine with the blade to sell as an export piece to the West.
Provenance: The Japanese sword: Gifted to the current owner from the Estate of Christmas Humphreys, QC.
Christmas Humphreys QC (1901-1983)
Christmas Humphreys QC was a british barrister and later Old Bailey judge. He was very well known convert to Buddhism and wrote several books on Mahayana Buddhism as well as founding the London Buddhist Society. His former home in St Johns Wood is now a Buddhist temple.
Ken Sword
A Ken or Tsurugi sword is an ancient form of Japanese double edged blade, usually made for esoteric Buddhist ritual.
Vajra (Kongosho)
A Vajra is a legendary ritual weapon seen in many Eastern religions, it often takes the form of a pronged short club, and symbolises wisdom and the indestructible properties of the diamond combined with the irresistible force of the thunderbolt. In Japan Nio (temple guardians) are often seen wielding Vajra.
Hitachi no kami Minamoto no Muneshige
Hitachi no kami Minamoto no Muneshige may refer to either the father or the son of the same name, both were very highly respected and prolific sword makers in the 17th century. The word ‘Kami’ meaning god is the highest honour and award a sword maker could receive at the time.
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