芒蒔絵鞘突兵拵 Blade and Mounting for a Sword (<i>Katana</i>) 1501 - 1900

This is a *Katana*, a type of Japanese sword, that is complete with its mounting. The sheath, or *saya*, of this particular katana is decorated with *maki-e*, a Japanese lacquer technique that involves sprinkling gold or silver powder onto a wet lacquer base. It was made by the renowned Japanese swordsmith Takamoto Hidemune (1819-1887), and its intricate decoration features a design of grasses and a small bird, showcasing the artistic skill and craftsmanship of the Edo period. The *Katana* is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.