Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The openwork tsuba depicting two sages, their robes accented in gilt, one sage with a face of silver and the other with a face of copper. The front image is signed 'Soheishi Nyudo Soten' , the other side reads 'Goshu Hikone ju' (resides in Goshu-current Shiga prefecture).

Dimensions: 3 1/8" x 3 1/4"

Japanese Kura samurai saddle in red lacquer, with black and gilt lacquer. The maewa (front arched plate) and shizuwa (rear arched plate) are adorned with a copper inlay flying crane. The red lacquer area surrounding the crane is hand-carved with scrolling vines of flowers and shippo pattern in gilt lacquer. The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands)...

Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The openwork motifs depict a man and ox resting below pine trees and a cottage with gold gilt, with a faint signature illegible from wear.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 2 5/8" x 2 3/4"

Japanese copper 10-pronged antler shaped meadate from a kabuto (samurai helmet). On custom stand.

Heisei Period

Dimensions: 9" total height (6 1/4" high meadate only)

Antique Japanese meadate in the form of a hornet, hand forged iron with gilt brass plate. Mounted on a stand.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: Total including stand 7" high (meadate only 4 1/2" high)

An original 18th century Japanese Namban armor with momonari type kabuto. The wisteria meadate and other occurrences of variations of the Fuji mon belongs to the Fujiwara Clans. The meadate matches that of the family crest seen on the armor. The black lacquered dou is textured with crushed oyster shell in fine detail. The armor is presented with the original hitsu (armor box) with gold beautiful gold calligraphy on the sides...

A set of 5 Japanese karimata arrow collection. Forged iron, mounted on steel plates and armature wire.

The forked arrowhead (karimata) was named after its resemblance to the V-formation flight of wild geese. Such arrows of different sizes were highly prized on the battlefield and for hunting large game. The Japanese arrowheads, many resembling miniature spears, were made in hundreds of varied shapes of folded, tempered steel...

A complete set of seven Japanese piercing Yajiri (Yanone) hand forged iron arrows heads. Signed with the pierced Mori clan family crest.
Watakusi (Flesh Terror / Barbed) These shapes are usually very ornamental in form and would have been originally used in battle. Each arrowheads can vary in length from 1 inch to over 6 inches and most have a saw cut piercing. The Mei (signature) on this style of arrowhead would usually be located on the nakago...

Japanese set of 2 Yari spears, signed Yamato Fujiwara Sensada. Hand forged steel, done in the same many and technique as samurai swords...

Japanese Jumonji Yari cross spearhead. Hand forged steel done in the same fashion as samurai swords...

Japanese special set of 10 Kichi arrows, with consecration marks by the Kichijo-ji Temple. Kichi means good omen. Forged steel, with red lacquered tips. Mounted in splayed fan shape. Very unusual original red lacquered tips.

Edo p. (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 6" x 2 1/2" x 12" Height

Comprised of solid forged steel head, cut-out stencil family crest of Sada-uji and Matamasa clans.
Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords...

A collection of arrowheads, pierced with the single cherry flower of the Sada-uji and the double cherry flower of the Matamasa family crests. The central arrow with the Sanskrit character for protection by the deity Hachiman, signed Minamoto no Mitsumasa, Nobokuni of Chikuzei. Both clans Sada-uji and Matamasa were in support of the Tokugawa clan...

Japanese collection of 23 arrows with various shaped heads and a rare set of 8 Ageha swallowtail tips. Forged steel, mounted on steel plates and armature wire. Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords.

18th c. Edo p. (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 12" x 4" x 12" Height

A ceremonial presentation of Japanese yan one (arrow heads) to the Hachiman deity, performed by the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Temple.
These arrowheads are made the same as swords and other edged weapons as they are folded steel and most are tempered. Yanone were used for battle, hunting, gifts or rewards and for presentations as shown here. There are many different kinds of arrowhead and they all have their own special name. Togari-ya is a simple pointed design...

A collection of 14 piercing tip arrows, forged iron, mounted on steel plates and armature wire. Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords.

Edo p. (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8" x 3" x 9 1/2" Height

Japanese set of 12 flathead piercing tip arrows. Polished, forged steel tips. Mounted on a circular presentation base. Ya used in war by the samurai had a variety of tips called yajiri or yanone; these arrowheads were forged using the same steel (tamahagane) and methods as traditional Japanese swords. There are many different kinds of arrowhead and they all have their own special name. Togari-ya is a simple pointed design.

Edo p...

Antique Japanese Samurai meadate (samurai helmet decoration) of a gilt dragon made of hand carved wood with lacquer, and metal. Details of whimsical flowing hair and long eye lashes. Mounted on a custom antiqued bronze metal stand for presentation.

Late Edo period

Dimensions: 17 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 6"