A Simply Stunning A Fabulous Original Antique Shinto Early Edo Period Chisa Katana. Wondrous Pure Gold and Shakudo Mounts Of The Tale of Momotarō, the Demon and The Monkey

An absolute beauty of an original samurai sword katana.

The blade is in amazing condition with a breathtaking hamon and hada, it is truly amazing!

The koshirae {mounts and fittings} are equally wonderful, and the fushi kashira and menuki are very fine pure gold and shakudo depicting monkeys and an Oni {demon}. They represent the Japanese folklore story featuring an oni (demon/ogre) and a monkey is Momotarō (Peach Boy). In this tale, a monkey is one of three animal companions who aid the hero in defeating malevolent oni on Onigashima (Demon Island).

The Tale of Momotarō (Peach Boy)
An elderly couple finds a giant peach floating down a river. Inside is a baby boy, who they name Momotarō ("Peach Boy").
The Journey: Momotarō grows up with incredible strength and decides to go to Onigashima to stop the oni, who are kidnapping people and stealing treasure.
On his journey, Momotarō meets a talking dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. He shares his special millet dumplings (kibi dango) with them, gaining their loyalty and friendship.
The Battle: Upon reaching the island, the monkey uses his agility to infiltrate the demon fortress. Together, Momotarō and his companions overpower the demon chief and his followers.
Victory: The defeated oni promise never to bother the villagers again, and Momotarō returns home with the captured demon chief and stolen treasure.

The Monkey: In the story, the monkey is agile and clever, acting as a key strategist and fighter.
Oni: The oni represent evil and the obstacles that need to be overcome.
The Teamwork: The story is a famous example of team-based success in Japanese culture, emphasizing how different strengths (the dog's loyalty, the monkey's agility, and the pheasant's vision) can overcome a strong adversary.

This tale is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, particularly in Okayama Prefecture, where it is believed the legend originated.

The most common blade cutting edge lengths for Chisa katana was approximately eighteen to twenty-four inches. They were most commonly made in the Buke-Zukuri mounting (which is generally what is seen on katana and wakizashi). The chisa katana was able to be used with one or two hands like a katana (with a small gap in between the hands) and especially made for double sword combat a sword in each hand.
It was the weapon of preference worn by the personal Samurai guard of a Daimyo Samurai war lord clan chief, as very often the Daimyo would be more likely within his castle than without. The chisa katana sword was far more effective a defence against any threat to the Daimyo's life by assassins or the so-called Ninja when hand to hand sword combat was within the Castle structure, due to the restrictions of their uniform low ceiling height. The hilt was usually around ten to eleven inches in length, but could be from eight inches or up to twelve inches depending on the Samurai's preference.

The blade is 22 inches long from tsuba to tip

Code: 26145