KOSHIRAE FOR WAKIZASHI *NO BLADE*

SHISHI THEME

TSUNAGI NAGASA: 21.5”

TSUNAGI OAL: 28.25”

SAYA LENGTH: 23”

KOIGUCHI (saya opening): 1.37″ x 0.46″ (CENTER)

KOSHIRAE OAL: 30.25”

KOSHIRAE TSUKA LENGTH: 7”

This is a wakizashi sized koshirae, see lengths above. I reiterate, koshirae only, no sword. I do not know the exact age of this koshirae.

The koshirae has a wooden Tsunagi. A Tsunagi is an exact wooden replica of the blade for which the koshirae was originally made. Before you ask, I have no idea what became of the original blade.

The koshirae is very nice and is done in matching Shishi fittings. Shishi, are sometimes called Jishi or Koma-inu 狛犬 (lion dog) in Japan. Shishi are guardians which repel evil. They are often seen outside temples and shrines and are very popular on sword fittings.

All of the fittings depict shishi with the exception being the tsuba. The tsuba is brass with karakusa (scrolling vines) in katakiri bori. There are a few small stains on the tsuba (see photos). The habaki is shakudo, or possibly blackened copper and has a few small dents in it. The tsuka is wrapped in samegawa, then wrapped with leather ito. The kojiri while it resembles metal it is lacquer and mimics a metal one. The saya is black and has a pattern of clouds. Or at least clouds are my best guess.

Finding koshirae which fit other blades is difficult as each blade is slightly different, therefore each koshire is slightly different as they are custom built for a particular sword. It is not impossible, but difficult most times. I know collectors who have found a koshirae that fits or which is similar in size and with some minor alterations make it work. Another option is simply displaying the koshirae alongside the blade.

If your sword is in fresh or good polish, inserting it into an older koshirae is not advised. One little grain of sand inside the saya can potentially scratch the polish.

Understand, this koshirae is being sold with no guarantee given or implied that it will fit any sword.

Condition: See photos

Returns: Not accepted unless item is not as described.

Ships USPS Priority Mail

$850 plus S/H