Sword knife hilt

About this artwork

…; collection of Herman Karel Westendorp (1868-1941), Amsterdam, 1941;{Note RMA.} his widow Betsy Westendorp-Osieck (1880-1968), Amsterdam, by whom bequeathed to the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1968;{note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, 1972

Art Historical Context

This delicate sword knife hilt, crafted by the skilled Japanese artisan Masayasu, dates to sometime between 1500 and 1900—a span encompassing the Muromachi, Edo, and early Meiji periods. Measuring just 9.7 cm in height and 1.3 cm in width, its compact form suggests it adorned a tanto (short sword) or knife, integral to the samurai's arsenal and daily carry. Masayasu, part of a storied lineage of swordsmiths, exemplifies the precision of Japanese blade craftsmanship, where hilts were not mere utilities but symbols of status, artistry, and spiritual power. Though the medium remains unidentified...