japanese sword / nihonto

An unusual koshirae this intricately carved mounting reminds one of the bokuto that were carried in the late 19^th century. Finished in an original red lacquer the carving depicts a Dragon with wings. A rare and exciting mounting for an otherwise average blade which could be mounted with a better sword or tsunagi at a later date. This piece is to be enjoyed for its fine detail and rarity as they are seldom found intact today and in such good condition. The legend of the Dragon chasing the pearl varies and an example follows:

Many Chinese believed the dragon held, or at least chased, the sun, and many drawings depict this as a flaming red ball. However, over the years, this sun changed color from red to a silvery-pearl color, and gradually the ball came to be considered a flaming pearl, known as the night shining pearl. It is with this that the dragon is almost invariably associated in art.
The link between serpentine shaped dragons and the pearl is reflected in a legend that states that Chi Liang, the Marquis of Sui, who was a Minister of State, was out walking one day, and found a wounded snake to which he gave medicine and saved its life. Sometime later, he saw the snake with a brilliant pearl in its mouth. The snake said 'I am the son of His Majesty the Dragon, and I am indebted to you for the preservation of my life, and I have brought this pearl to thank you for your kindness.' The Minister accepted the pearl and, being a dutiful subject, presented it to his sovereign, who placed it in his hall.