Japanese

A Simply Beautiful Kozuka in Shakudo, Decorated with Shakudo & Pure Gold Shishi with Pure Gold Dragons and Pure Silver Pearl

The samurai swords small knife that fits in the long swords scabbard. The blade fits the handle separately and is removable. We show the handle without its blade fitted.

Fabulously depicting an imperial boat bearing a shakudo and overlaid gold Shishi lion dog or temple guardian fending off two overlaid pure gold Dragon, one at the boat's stern clutching an overlaid silver Pearl of Wisdom. Incredibly detailed and a wonderful work of art in itself. A Kogatana (小刀), or "small sword" in English is a small knife designed to be fitted within its Kozuka (handle). The Kogatana is a small utility knife that fits into a pocket if it has the option on the Saya.

A Kozuka (小柄), or "small handle" in English is a small Tsuka hilt designed to be fitted with the Kogatana blade It usually features various designs inspired by famous historical events or popular Katana-related designs. According to legend, only a carp which has managed to present itself at the Dragon gate, after many attempts to travel up the river, receives the honour of being transformed into a dragon. This parable is the story of the student who wanted to serve the Emperor. The carp changing into a dragon here stands as a symbol of perseverance. The Lion-dog
The lion-dog (shishi or jishi) came to Japan with Buddhism, either from China or from Korea in the 7th or 8th century. The Japanese lion-dog has some elements of the koma-inu, the Korean dog, and of the kara-shishi, apparently derived from the Chinese foo dog.

There are no lions in Japan, China, or Korea. The first artworks depicting lions were brought to China in the Han era (ca. 208 BCE - 221 CE). The lion is regarded in China as the defender of justice and the guardian of sacred buildings, a symbol of power and success, nobility and strength. Its image is woven into the robes of the aristocracy. In Korea they believed that the skin of the koma-inu's head is stronger than any helmet. In Japan, the shishi is esteemed as a noble creature. A pair of lion-dogs usually guards the entrance to a Shinto or Buddhist temple, and Buddhist deities are often depicted riding on them. Sometimes a pair of lion-dogs is also placed beside a tomb.

In art, the shishi usually appear in pairs, male and female. In the Nara period (710-794) these were two lions. In the Heian era (794-1185) they began to appear as a lion and a lion-dog. In early Japanese depictions, the shishi has a horn on his head. The lion does not. The lion's maw gapes, that of the lion-dog is closed.  read more

Code: 23945

A Most Scarce Original Koto Period Kusarigama a Ninja's Weapon of a Sickle With Weighted Chain, Somewhat Like a Claw Hilted Medieval Flail Mace

A kusarigama (Japanese: 鎖鎌, lit. "chain-sickle") is a traditional Japanese weapon that consists of a kama (the Japanese equivalent of a sickle or billhook) on a kusari-fundo – a type of metal chain (kusari) with a heavy iron weight (fundo) at the end. The sickle blade has a full tang the same as Yari pole arms, held in position within the handle by two mekugi.

The kusarigama is said to have been developed during the Muromachi period. The art of handling the kusarigama is called kusarigamajutsu.
From the 12th century, until the time of the Tokugawa shogunate, many fighters specialized in the use of the weapon. One of these fighters was Yamada Shinryukan, a man who defeated many swordsmen; he was trapped in a bamboo grove by Araki Mataemon and killed. Yamada did not have enough room in the bamboo grove to swing around the chain of his kusarigama. This weapon was used by the infamous Japanese assassins known as the ninja.

In his Buke Myōmokushō, military historian Hanawa Hokinoichi writes of the ninja:

They travelled in disguise to other territories to judge the situation of the enemy, they would inveigle their way into the midst of the enemy to discover gaps, and enter enemy castles to set them on fire, and carried out assassinations, arriving in secret.
The ninja were stealth soldiers and mercenaries hired mostly by daimyos. Their primary roles were those of espionage and sabotage, although assassinations were also attributed to ninja. In battle, the ninja could also be used to cause confusion amongst the enemy. A degree of psychological warfare in the capturing of enemy banners can be seen illustrated in the Ōu Eikei Gunki, composed between the 16th and 17th centuries:

The warlord Oda Nobunaga's notorious reputation led to several attempts on his life. In 1571, a Kōga ninja and sharpshooter by the name of Sugitani Zenjubō was hired to assassinate Nobunaga. Using two arquebuses, he fired two consecutive shots at Nobunaga, but was unable to inflict mortal injury through Nobunaga's armor. Sugitani managed to escape, but was caught four years later and put to death by torture. In 1573, Manabe Rokurō, a vassal of daimyo Hatano Hideharu, attempted to infiltrate Azuchi Castle and assassinate the sleeping Nobunaga. However, this also ended in failure, and Manabe was forced to commit suicide, after which his body was openly displayed in public. According to a document, the Iranki, when Nobunaga was inspecting Iga province — which his army had devastated — a group of three ninja shot at him with large-caliber firearms. The shots flew wide of Nobunaga, however, and instead killed seven of his surrounding companions.

The first specialized training began in the mid-15th century, when certain samurai families started to focus on covert warfare, including espionage and assassination. Like the samurai, ninja were born into the profession, where traditions were kept in, and passed down through the family. According to Turnbull, the ninja was trained from childhood, as was also common in samurai families. Outside the expected martial art disciplines, a youth studied survival and scouting techniques, as well as information regarding poisons and explosives. Physical training was also important, which involved long distance runs, climbing, stealth methods of walking63 and swimming. A certain degree of knowledge regarding common professions was also required if one was expected to take their form in disguise. Some evidence of medical training can be derived from one account, where an Iga ninja provided first-aid to Ii Naomasa, who was injured by gunfire in the Battle of Sekigahara. Here the ninja reportedly gave Naomasa a "black medicine" meant to stop bleeding.

We show in the gallery a Koto period tsuba (from one of our katana) that is decorated with a ninja’s weapons and his peasants disguise. A peasants jingasa hat, a willow fish basket, a kusarigama and a shikomezue hidden sword stick. We further show in the gallery an early woodblock print of a ninja in hand to hand combat using his identical kasurigama against the katana of a swordsman. Shown gor illustrative purposes only.

One can find modern reproductions of these in numerous martial arts stores today, especially in the States, but early, antique, original examples are simply very rarely seen indeed.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 25001

A Most Unusual Antique, Ceremonial, Edo Period Samurai's Weapon Representation of a Ninja's Kama, the Hook or Sickle

Haft decorated with fine quality abilone and lacquer with copper bands and traditional knotted string bound base to the abilone inlay. With its original black wrist cord {see photo} A single hand-held piece that is the correct size of the weapon, but higher quality to designate its use by a samurai as a ceremonial ninja weapon, but with a votive hook as opposed to a functional hook. We also show in the gallery a photo of the ninja weapons decorating a samurai tsuba, from an early sword we have. This ideally demonstrates that although the ninja was not thought of as samurai, and certainly their methods frowned upon by the samurai, but their methods and weaponry were still part of samurai art and worn by samurai.

A kama is a ninja weapon of a hook or sickle as a defence against swords, the extended version has a ball and chain called a kusarigama (Japanese: 鎖鎌, lit. "chain-sickle") is a traditional Japanese weapon that consists of a kama (the Japanese equivalent of a sickle or billhook) on a kusari-fundo – a type of metal chain (kusari) with a heavy iron weight (fundo) at the end. The sickle blade has a full tang the same as Yari pole arms, held in position within the handle by two mekugi.

The kusarigama is said to have been developed during the Muromachi period. The art of handling the kusarigama is called kusarigamajutsu.
From the 12th century, until the time of the Tokugawa shogunate, many fighters specialized in the use of the weapon. One of these fighters was Yamada Shinryukan, a man who defeated many swordsmen; he was trapped in a bamboo grove by Araki Mataemon and killed. Yamada did not have enough room in the bamboo grove to swing around the chain of his kusarigama. This weapon was used by the infamous Japanese assassins known as the ninja.

In his Buke Myōmokushō, military historian Hanawa Hokinoichi writes of the ninja:

They travelled in disguise to other territories to judge the situation of the enemy, they would inveigle their way into the midst of the enemy to discover gaps, and enter enemy castles to set them on fire, and carried out assassinations, arriving in secret.
The ninja were stealth soldiers and mercenaries hired mostly by daimyos. Their primary roles were those of espionage and sabotage, although assassinations were also attributed to ninja. In battle, the ninja could also be used to cause confusion amongst the enemy. A degree of psychological warfare in the capturing of enemy banners can be seen illustrated in the Ōu Eikei Gunki, composed between the 16th and 17th centuries:

The warlord Oda Nobunaga's notorious reputation led to several attempts on his life. In 1571, a Kōga ninja and sharpshooter by the name of Sugitani Zenjubō was hired to assassinate Nobunaga. Using two arquebuses, he fired two consecutive shots at Nobunaga, but was unable to inflict mortal injury through Nobunaga's armor. Sugitani managed to escape, but was caught four years later and put to death by torture. In 1573, Manabe Rokurō, a vassal of daimyo Hatano Hideharu, attempted to infiltrate Azuchi Castle and assassinate the sleeping Nobunaga. However, this also ended in failure, and Manabe was forced to commit suicide, after which his body was openly displayed in public. According to a document, the Iranki, when Nobunaga was inspecting Iga province — which his army had devastated — a group of three ninja shot at him with large-caliber firearms. The shots flew wide of Nobunaga, however, and instead killed seven of his surrounding companions.

The first specialized training began in the mid-15th century, when certain samurai families started to focus on covert warfare, including espionage and assassination. Like the samurai, ninja were born into the profession, where traditions were kept in, and passed down through the family. According to Turnbull, the ninja was trained from childhood, as was also common in samurai families. Outside the expected martial art disciplines, a youth studied survival and scouting techniques, as well as information regarding poisons and explosives. Physical training was also important, which involved long distance runs, climbing, stealth methods of walking63 and swimming. A certain degree of knowledge regarding common professions was also required if one was expected to take their form in disguise. Some evidence of medical training can be derived from one account, where an Iga ninja provided first-aid to Ii Naomasa, who was injured by gunfire in the Battle of Sekigahara. Here the ninja reportedly gave Naomasa a "black medicine" meant to stop bleeding.

We show in the gallery a Koto period tsuba (from one of our katana) that is decorated with a ninja’s weapons and his peasants disguise. A peasants jingasa hat, a willow fish basket, a kusarigama and a shikomezue hidden sword stick. We further show in the gallery an early woodblock print of a ninja in hand to hand combat using his identical kasurigama against the katana of a swordsman. Shown gor illustrative purposes only.  read more

Code: 21321

A Very Fine & Beautiful Handachi Katana Dated 1539 signed Bizen Kuni Osafune ju Tsuguiye

Just under 500 years old, and a delight to observe the wonderful curvature to the blade. It possesses a very long signature by the smith on the nakago. It has all original Edo period mounts fittings and saya, with original saya intricately patterned urushi lacquer. Typical Edo handachi mounts with a beautiful iron tsuba with gold onlay of prunus and grasses. It has a very active hamon on the stunning blade and it’s all original Edo tsukaito binding to the hilt, now somewhat pleasingly colour faded in part and usual signs of combat use age appropriate wear as to be expected.

The samurai were roughly the equivalent of feudal knights. Employed by the shogun or daimyo, they were members of hereditary warrior class that followed a strict "code" that defined their clothes, armour and behaviour on the battlefield. But unlike most medieval knights, samurai warriors could read and they were well versed in Japanese art, literature and poetry.
Samurai endured for almost 700 years, from 1185 to 1867. Samurai families were considered the elite. They made up only about six percent of the population and included daimyo and the loyal soldiers who fought under them. Samurai means one who serves."

Samurai were expected to be both fierce warriors and lovers of art, a dichotomy summed up by the Japanese concepts of bu to stop the spear expanding into bushido (the way of life of the warrior) and bun (the artistic, intellectual and spiritual side of the samurai). Originally conceived as away of dignifying raw military power, the two concepts were synthesised in feudal Japan and later became a key feature of Japanese culture and morality.The quintessential samurai was Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary early Edo-period swordsman who reportedly killed 60 men before his 30th birthday and was also a painting master. Members of a hierarchal class or caste, samurai were the sons of samurai and they were taught from an early age to unquestionably obey their mother, father and daimyo. When they grew older they may be trained by Zen Buddhist masters in meditation and the Zen concepts of impermanence and harmony with nature. The were also taught about painting, calligraphy, nature poetry, mythological literature, flower arranging, and the tea ceremony.

it has been said that part of their military training, samurai were taught to sleep with their right arm underneath them so if they were attacked in the middle of the night and their the left arm was cut off the could still fight with their right arm. Samurai that tossed and turned at night were cured of the habit by having two knives placed on either side of their pillow.

Samurai have been describes as "the most strictly trained human instruments of war to have existed." They were expected to be proficient in the martial arts of aikido and kendo as well as swordsmanship and archery---the traditional methods of samurai warfare---which were viewed not so much as skills but as art forms that flowed from natural forces that harmonized with nature.
Some samurai, it has been claimed, didn't become a full-fledged samurai until he wandered around the countryside as begging pilgrim for a couple of years to learn humility. When this was completed they achieved samurai status and receives a salary from his daimyo paid from taxes (usually rice) raised from the local populace.

Japanese lacquer, or urushi, is a transformative and highly prized material that has been refined for over 7000 years.

Cherished for its infinite versatility, urushi is a distinctive art form that has spread across all facets of Japanese culture from the tea ceremony to the saya scabbards of samurai swords

Japanese artists created their own style and perfected the art of decorated lacquerware during the 8th century. Japanese lacquer skills reached its peak as early as the twelfth century, at the end of the Heian period (794-1185). This skill was passed on from father to son and from master to apprentice.

Some provinces of Japan were famous for their contribution to this art: the province of Edo (later Tokyo), for example, produced the most beautiful lacquered pieces from the 17th to the 18th centuries. Lords and shoguns privately employed lacquerers to produce decorated samurai sword saya and also ceremonial and decorative objects for their homes and palaces.

27.25 inch blade tsuba to tip.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 24332

Japanese Type 1932 Otsu NCO's Gunto Sabre 770mm Blade Serial Numbered Matching Sword and Scabbard

Type 32 Guntō is a government supply non-commissioned officer sword enacted in 1889 (August 23, Meiji 32).
There are two kinds of these Guntōes, the "Kō" for a cavalry trooper and the "Otsu" for a transport soldier.

The "Kō" for the cavalry trooper has long cutting edge length, compared with the "Otsu", and a "Kō" has a leather fingerplate on a guard.

Crab's eye shaped guard nut screw acting as the spring clip holder for retaining the scabbard. Checkered steel haikin hilt backstrap , with kanime-nat crab's eye screw retaining pommel screw.

The Tsuka of the "Otsu" was improved by Japanese sword pattern in 1932 (32 advanced type), and was replaced with the Type 95 Guntō in 1935. The "Kō" was manufactured to the defeat in 1945.
Therefore, the "cavalry department" which was one of the military 3 major arming was reorganised by the trend of the time in 1942 after 1937 at the "armour department." However, the Third Cavalry Brigade was continued till the beginning of 1945, and the Fourth Cavalry Brigade was continued by horse-riding organization to the end of the war.

The "Otsu"was used also for the infantry and military-police non-commissioned officer.

There is a stamp of "Ho" to the bottom of the scabbard chape {Ishizuki}. This is an inspection mark of the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 25009

A Very Attractive, Antique Edo Era Ashigaru Armour and Jingasa Helmet

17th to 18th century. Jingasa helmet in hardened leather with large red sun mon, a do cuirass of frontis plate with the same red sun mon, that secures at the back with cords, kusari kote arm sleeves and gauntlets, three panels of ito bound kusazuri, this is the plate skirt that protects the lower part of the body as well as the upper leg. It is laced together to the upper plates.

Ashigaru armour was light, flexible and simpler to make than usual samurai armour. It was worn by spear men foot soldiers, in battle or defensive service, and they may be armed with yari or nagananata {polearms}, yumi {bows with arrows} or tanegashima {muskets}, in most samurai armies. It was the most common form of armour in Rokugan.

In the Ōnin War, ashigaru gained a reputation as unruly troops when they looted and burned Miyako (modern-day Kyoto). In the following Sengoku period the aspect of the battle changed from single combat to massed formations. Therefore, ashigaru became the backbone of many feudal armies and some of them rose to greater prominence.

Those who were given control of ashigaru were called ashigarugashira (足軽頭). The most famous of them was Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who also raised many of his warrior followers to samurai status.

Ashigaru formed the backbone of samurai armies in the later periods. The real change for the ashigaru began in 1543 with the introduction of matchlock firearms by the Portuguese. Almost immediately local daimyōs started to equip their ashigaru with the new weapon, which required little training to use proficiently, as compared with the longbow, which took many years to learn. As battles became more complex and forces larger, ashigaru were rigorously trained so that they would hold their ranks in the face of enemy fire.

The advantage of the matchlock guns proved decisive to samurai warfare. This was demonstrated at the Battle of Nagashino in 1575, where carefully positioned ashigaru gunners of the Oda and Tokugawa clans thwarted the Takeda clan's repeated heavy cavalry charges against the Oda clan's defensive lines and broke the back of the Takeda war machine.

After the battle, the ashigaru's role in the armies was cemented as a very powerful complement to the samurai. The advantage was used in the two invasions of Korea in 1592 and 1597 against the Koreans and later the Ming-dynasty Chinese. Though the ratio of guns (matchlocks) to bows was 2:1 during the first invasion, the ratio became 4:1 in the second invasion since the guns proved highly effective

Some samurai would consider wearing ashigaru armour if a mission required them to travel light and fast, such as scouting, and Ronin were also noted for commonly using ashigaru armour, because of it's availability and lesser cost than elaborate armour

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 25006

A Simply Magnificent 17th Century Samurai Katana with Signed Soten Gold and Shakudo Mounts. A Spectacular Museum Grade Katana

Just arrived this week!
This is a most stunning high ranking samurai's sword. Made and used at the beginning of the great Japanese Edo period. The blade has a wondrous hamon, shown in all it's beauty. All of the fittings are very fine and the overall effect is simply wonderful. A singularly fine museum quality quality katana, with a full suite of, original, Edo period, signed Soten, gold and patinated copper fittings. This is truly a sword of great beauty, worthy of any top ranked collection of the most beautiful swords of the Japanese samurai.
The saya is original Edo period in black urushi in a two section design, with a partially deeply ribbed lacquer top section.

A revolution took place in the centuries from the time of the Kamakura shogunate, which coexisted with the Tenno's court, to the Tokugawa, when the bushi became the unchallenged rulers in what historian Edwin O. Reischauer called a "centralized feudal" form of government. Instrumental in the rise of the new bakufu was Tokugawa Ieyasu, the main beneficiary of the achievements of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Already powerful, Ieyasu profited by his transfer to the rich Kant? area. He maintained 2.5 million koku of land, new headquarters at Edo, a strategically situated castle town (the future Tokyo), and also had an additional two million koku of land and thirty-eight vassals under his control. After Hideyoshi's death, Ieyasu moved quickly to seize control from the Toyotomi family.

Ieyasu's victory over the western daimyo at the Battle of Sekigahara (October 21, 1600, or in the Japanese calendar on the 15th day of the ninth month of the fifth year of the Keich? era) gave him virtual control of all Japan. He rapidly abolished numerous enemy daimyo houses, reduced others, such as that of the Toyotomi, and redistributed the spoils of war to his family and allies. Ieyasu still failed to achieve complete control of the western daimyo, but his assumption of the title of shogun helped consolidate the alliance system. After further strengthening his power base, Ieyasu installed his son Hidetada (1579?1632) as shogun and himself as retired shogun in 1605. The Toyotomi were still a significant threat, and Ieyasu devoted the next decade to their eradication. In 1615, the Tokugawa army destroyed the Toyotomi stronghold at Osaka.

The Tokugawa (or Edo) period brought 250 years of stability to Japan. The political system evolved into what historians call bakuhan, a combination of the terms bakufu and han (domains) to describe the government and society of the period. In the bakuhan, the shogun had national authority and the daimyo had regional authority. This represented a new unity in the feudal structure, which featured an increasingly large bureaucracy to administer the mixture of centralized and decentralized authorities. The Tokugawa became more powerful during their first century of rule: land redistribution gave them nearly seven million koku, control of the most important cities, and a land assessment system reaping great revenues. As Japan entered the more peaceful Edo Period (1603-1868), tsuba and sword fittings became increasingly elaborate and decorative in design and function, and their manufacture became highly specialised and technically advanced. Different schools of makers developed their own styles, often influenced by the culture and environment of the region, and the role of the tsuba and mounts extended to become an elaborate piece of art. Subjects for decoration included Japanese mythology, history and nature. Since the 16th century, it was customary for the guard and mounts to feature the signature of the maker. The katana's saya has a few small Edo period contact marks throughout. It could be re-lacqured to as new condition if it was required by its new owner or left original as is. Valued for their excellence in design and execution, sword fittings today exist as refined pieces of art, and although now only used for state occasions and consecrations, the Japanese sword and its fittings remain a symbol of authority and reminder of Japan's powerful, and at times tumultuous, samurai past.

There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.

One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.

Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of trading


Blade 30.3 inches long tip to tsuba, sword length 40 inches out of saya. 41 inches long overall. saya has all its original Edo lacquer finish with just a few natural age surface blemishes as to be expected.  read more

Code: 22994

A Wonderful & Captivating Ancient Samurai Sword of the Nambokochu Era Circa 1370

Made in the transitional period, almost 700 years ago, between the Nambokochu era, and Muromachi era. It has a super, ancient, iconic Koto form narrow blade, with wonderful curvature, and typical medium narrow, undulating hamon as was popular in the Nambokochu era. It also has a much desired but rarely seen defensive, single combat, blocking cut on the back edge, these are never removed with polishing, and they are a highly desirable sign of a close combat defensive move. much revered and respected by historical collectors.
It has delightful original Edo fittings including its superb Edo saya, made with polished giant rayskin, decor, called samegawa, with some natural age wear.
The Edo fushi kashira, are decorated in pure gold. The iron Koto period round wheel shaped iron tsuba is beautifully carved with elements of inlaid gold spirals.

Looking at the late Nanbokucho period, for an example of sword makers in that era, the main Bizen smiths of the 'last signed eras' (the last dated examples do not always coincide with the end of the smith's career) were Joji for Motoshige, Koryaku for Chogi, and Oei for Omiya Morishige.
Many of the Bizen dates moved up to Eiwa, Koryaku, Eitoku, Shitoku, Kakei, Ko-o, and Meitoku, and the tachi shapes changed to become narrower. Chojis Koryaku era tachi are narrow, but without other style changes. Morikages work from the end of the Nanbokucho period have a narrow shape with small hamon which is similar to Kosori work. Also, there are many Bizen smiths who are not belong to famous schools and do not have a clear school style, and people called all of these smiths Kosori smiths. Overall, at the end of the Nanbukucho period, Bizen swords became narrower, and at the same time, the mainstream schools characteristics gradually disappeared and smaller hamon become popular.
There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.

One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.

Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available, and we are fortunate to have likely one of the most varied and largest selection of original swords, from all nations, in the world. There are swords in our gallery from all over the globe and from every period of history, going back almost 4000 years, Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval swords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of trading

Overall length 37.5 inches blade 25.5 inches.  read more

Code: 21795

A Wonderful Late Koto to Early Shinto Period Samurai Katana In Superb Condition Circa 450 Years Old. Superb Original Full Suite of Original Edo Koshirae, Including Gold and Shakudo Goto School Mounts & Signed Tsuba

The blade is absolutely stunning in very fine polish, and showing a beautiful billowing, very deep hamon of extraordinary fine quality. Goto gold and shakudo fuchi kashira of deep takebori chrysanthemums and tendrils. Gold menuki of hawks, and a complimentary signed mokko form iron plate tsuba with a hawk in flight with gold highlights. Original Edo tsuka-ito and blade polish, and original Edo saya with fabulous original ishime pattern urushi lacquer of top quality, with minor age bruising and a saya jiri mount of pierced openwork.

Cherished for its infinite versatility, urushi is a distinctive art form that has spread across all facets of Japanese culture from the tea ceremony to the saya scabbards of samurai swords

Japanese artists created their own style and perfected the art of decorated lacquerware during the 8th century. Japanese lacquer skills reached its peak as early as the twelfth century, at the end of the Heian period (794-1185). This skill was passed on from father to son and from master to apprentice.

The samurai were roughly the equivalent of feudal knights. Employed by the shogun or daimyo, they were members of hereditary warrior class that followed a strict "code" that defined their clothes, armour and behaviour on the battlefield. But unlike most medieval knights, samurai warriors could read and they were well versed in Japanese art, literature and poetry.
Samurai endured for almost 700 years, from 1185 to 1867. Samurai families were considered the elite. They made up only about six percent of the population and included daimyo and the loyal soldiers who fought under them. Samurai means one who serves."

Samurai were expected to be both fierce warriors and lovers of art, a dichotomy summed up by the Japanese concepts of to stop the spear expanding into bushido (the way of life of the warrior) and bun (the artistic, intellectual and spiritual side of the samurai). Originally conceived as away of dignifying raw military power, the two concepts were synthesised in feudal Japan and later became a key feature of Japanese culture and morality.The quintessential samurai was Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary early Edo-period swordsman who reportedly killed 60 men before his 30th birthday and was also a painting master. Members of a hierarchal class or caste, samurai were the sons of samurai and they were taught from an early age to unquestionably obey their mother, father and daimyo. When they grew older they may be trained by Zen Buddhist masters in meditation and the Zen concepts of impermanence and harmony with nature. The were also taught about painting, calligraphy, nature poetry, mythological literature, flower arranging, and the tea ceremony.

It has been said that part of their military training, samurai were taught to sleep with their right arm underneath them so if they were attacked in the middle of the night and their the left arm was cut off the could still fight with their right arm. Samurai, it has been said, that if they tossed and turned at night were cured of the habit by having two knives placed on either side of their pillow.

Samurai have been describes as "the most strictly trained human instruments of war to have existed." They were expected to be proficient in the martial arts of aikido and kendo as well as swordsmanship and archery---the traditional methods of samurai warfare---which were viewed not so much as skills but as art forms that flowed from natural forces that harmonized with nature.

Long 29 inch blade, overall in saya 40.3 inches long

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of trading  read more

Code: 24998

An Original Antique Edo Period Suit of Samurai Gesoku Armour With gilt Tomoe Mon, of the Kobayakawa Clan. With Dragon Cuirass & Momonari Kabuto With Hanbo

Momonari kabuto ( peach-shaped skull), in the style influenced by European 'morion' helmets, with Mon, face armour, hanbo with tare throat protectors,, and datemono mandate of the Kobayakawa clan, and the mon of Kobayakawa Takakage (小早川 隆景, 1533 – July 26, 1597) was a samurai and daimyō (feudal lord) during the Sengoku period

Mid Edo armour, without kusazari, with beautiful urushi lacquered do a Yokohagi okegawa dō: Tosei dō made from horizontal plates decorated with a dragon. Cinnabar lacquer bachi helmet bowl, a kabuto of , with painted doeskin decorated mabizashi,
kusari kote arm sleeves, multi laced Ito sode shoulder guards, kusazuri, this is the plate skirt that protects the lower part of the body as well as the upper leg. It is laced together to the upper plates. For the armour made during the Heian and Kamakura periods, the skirt was made with both leather and iron. However, post-Muromachi Period armor saw a shift mainly to iron, with some being made from roasted leather.

The armour was made from a combination of materials, including leather, lacquered wood, and metal, and was designed to be both lightweight and flexible. The most iconic feature of the samurai armor is the kabuto, a helmet adorned with decorative features such as crests, horns, and a neck guard.

The mon as used by Kobayakawa Takakage was the third son of Mōri Motonari who was adopted by the Kobayakawa clan and became its 14th clan head. He merged the two branches of the Kobayakawa, the Takehara-Kobayakawa clan (竹原小早川氏) and Numata-Kobayakawa clan (沼田小早川氏). He became an active commander of the Mōri army and he with his brother Kikkawa Motoharu became known as the “Mōri Ryōkawa", or “Mōri's Two Rivers" (毛利両川). As head of the Kobayakawa clan, he expanded the clan's territory in the Chūgoku region (western Honshū), and fought for the Mōri clan in all their campaigns

At first he opposed Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi but later swore loyalty and became a retainer of Hideyoshi who awarded him domains in Iyo Province on Shikoku and Chikuzen Province on Kyūshū, totalling 350,000 koku. Hideyoshi gave him the title Chûnagon also appointed him to the Council of Five Elders but died before Hideyoshi himself.

Scholars agree that Japanese armour first appeared in the 4th century, with the discovery of the cuirass and basic helmets in graves. During the Heian period (794-1185), the unique Japanese samurai armour ō-yoroi and dō-maru appeared. The Japanese cuirass evolved into the more familiar style of body armour worn by the samurai known as the dou or dō, with the use of leather straps (nerigawa), and lacquer for weatherproofing. Leather and/or iron scales were also used to construct samurai armours, with leather and eventually silk lace used to connect the individual scales (kozane) of these cuirasses.

In the 16th century, Japan began trading with Europe, during what would become known as the Nanban trade. This was the first time matchlock muskets were imported, and as they became mass-produced domestically, samurai needed lighter and more protective armour. As a result, a new style of armour called tosei-gusoku (gusoku), which means modern armour, appeared. After the Battle of Sekigahara and the victory of the Tokugawa, a united Japan was created and entered the so-called 'peaceful Edo period', however, then from henceforth, the shoguns promoted rivallry between his daimyo fuedal clan lords, in order for their military ambitions, attention and suspicions to be upon each other, rather than the shogun. So there were no wars, as such, for over 250 years, but, hundreds of internecine battles, thus samurai continued to combat as usual, using both plate and lamellar armour. This practice, of a version of divide and conquer, of internal factions, rather than external forces, was adopted by many despots ever since, including Sadam Hussein of Iraq, extremely efficiently, and for over 20 years in his case.

Ōyamazumi Shrine is known as a treasure house of Japanese armour. It houses 40% of Japanese armour that has been designated as a National treasure and an Important Cultural Property. Kasuga Grand Shrine is also known as a treasure house of valuable armour

Some photos show the kabuto on a stand for demonstration purposes only stand not included
The kabuto bashi of red urushi lacquer has natural age surface crackling and small areas of loss.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of our family’s trading, as Britain’s oldest established, and favourite, armoury and gallery  read more

Code: 24994