Heian wakizashi with black-and-gold detailing

Decorative Heian wakizashi with black-and-gold detailing

Appearance and decoration

A prominent feature is the tsuba, or guard, with a shaped outline resembling dragon wings. Its surface features a raised scale pattern, openings and curved projections. Gold-coloured areas contrast with darker recesses. Above the guard sits the gold-coloured habaki, the collar surrounding the blade.

The grip is wrapped in black-and-gold ribbon. Light-coloured sections of the backing and grip ornaments known as menuki are visible between the crossed bands. A decorated kashira forms the grip’s end cap. A wavy line runs along the edge on the surface of the gently curved blade.

The glossy black scabbard, known as a saya, features gold-coloured figurative motifs, prominent ornamental fittings and a black-and-gold cord. The sword and scabbard decoration includes a dragon, a horse with a rider, a boat with sailors and a devil figure. The decorated scabbard tip fitting features a face in relief and additional ornaments.

Historical inspiration and the name

The wakizashi is a Japanese short sword carried by samurai alongside the longer katana. This pair, known as the daishō, was a visible sign of samurai status, particularly during the Edo period, from the 17th to the 19th century. The shorter blade was easier to handle in confined spaces, and the wakizashi also served as a backup weapon. This model adopts the traditional silhouette of a Japanese short sword; no particular historical original for its decoration is documented.

The name Heian refers to Heian-kyō, the historical name of present-day Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital. We chose it as a reminder of Japanese cultural and artistic traditions. The name does not mean that this is a reproduction of a sword from the Heian period.

Technical specifications

All dimensions and weights are approximate and may vary slightly between individual pieces.

Display, care and safety

Before displaying the sword, carefully remove it from its protective box and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Place it on a stable stand or in a suitable wall rack. When mounting a rack, use fixings appropriate for the wall material and the weight of the displayed items. The wooden box is protective packaging rather than a display case.

• Regularly remove dust and fingerprints from the blade, scabbard and decorated parts with a soft cloth. Keep the product in a dry indoor environment.
• Avoid abrasives, harsh cleaners and solvents that could damage the glossy surface or ornamentation.
• Do not soak the grip wrap or scabbard cord. Protect the sword from moisture, impacts, falls and prolonged direct sunlight.
• This wakizashi is unsuitable for test cutting, sword training or contact combat. Do not swing it, strike objects or thrust it into anything.
• An edge thickness of 1.1 mm does not make contact with people safe. The point, edges and projecting decorations can cause injury.
• Draw and sheath the blade slowly, keeping your fingers clear of its path. Secure the sword against falling and display it out of children’s reach.

Recommended accessories

For display, we recommend a Japanese sword stand or a suitable wall rack. A decorative katana in similar colours can complete an arrangement inspired by the daishō carried by samurai in the 17th–19th centuries. A soft microfibre cloth is useful for routine care.