A striking koshira-e (mounting) for a katana (long sword)
Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th century
The saya (scabbard) of red lacquer, inlaid in engraved silver with a clump of irises growing from the kojiri, the tsuka (hilt) covered in matt gold lacquer with silk tsukamaki wrapping partially in lozenge pattern, the central section fully wrapped, the menuki of gilt silver, each in the form of a crane, the fuchigashira of silver nanako and gilt chiselled with plum blossoms, the tsuba of silver pierced and carved in the form of a stylized blossom, the ryohitsu holes plugged in gold nanako, the fuchigashira and tsuba both signed Jukakusai Shutoko Tokinobu (1827-1879); wood tsukuri blade; silk cord; with a brocade bag. 97cm (38¼in) long. (2).