Japanese Edo Wood Nacre Naginata w/ Staff & Sheath

East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. A beautiful example of a lengthy polearm known as a "naginata" (literally "mowing down sword" or "reaping sword"). The slender wooden pole is separated into four distinct areas, the longest is the lower lacquered handle portion, and the top three are decorated with dozens of slender nacre inlays. Though missing its blade, the naginata still retains the blade sheath that mimics the overall profile of the original blade. Size: 2.125" W x 73.6" H (5.4 cm x 186.9 cm).

According to ancient weapons expert Harvey J.S. Withers, "[The naginata] was a common polearm used by Samurai warriors and is most commonly associated with the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (1338-1573). The naginata comprised a lacquered (sometimes inlaid with mother-of-pearl) wooden pole approximately 2m (6.5 ft) in length. Onto this was forged a curved blade in very much the same way as traditional katana blades - and, indeed, many naginatas were actually mounted with recycled katana blades. The blade, or nakago, or a naginata was secured onto the pole by a single peg, or mekugi." (Withers, Harvey J.S. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 80)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in August 2006; ex-private Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan collection

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#150231
Condition Report: Original blade and pommel missing. Losses to some inlaid nacre panels as shown. Minor nicks to original lacquered surfaces, nacre inlays, and blade sheath. Nice patina throughout.