Samurai Sword Stand

[Bill D.]

I suppose that a lot of you guys have seen one of these, but this was a first for me. I've only ever seen the horizontal sword stands.

This one was brought back after the war by an American officer who served in the Pacific and in the Military Government of Occupation.

It is, as they say in the antiques world, "in its original paint", which is a reddish-brown.

I thought that it was just too cool to pass up.

[Bill D.]

With sword in place....

[Bill D.]

By the way, this sword was brought back with its original leather combat cover on the scabbard, which was later removed by the veteran. I have the cover, but I'm not about to try to place it back on the scabbard, since I don't know whether the leather might have shrunk a bit with age.

[gunto]

Its a tachi kake , prob. Meiji period.
The tachi is mounted with the tsuka downwards.

[Budo45]

agree, tsuka down for tachi type swords which guntos are pattered after.
nice stand id clean out the dust and give it a coat of wood oil. if ever for sale so you can buy other collectibles let me know.

[Bob Coleman]

A very nice tachi kake. As mentioned, the sword would be placed with the handle down in such a stand. In Japan, if a guest came to your home and saw a sword mounted with the handle up, it would be considered an insult. A sword mounted in that manner allows the owner the ability to quickly draw the blade, thus stating the guest is not trusted.

[rajko84]

A very nice tachi kake. As mentioned, the sword would be placed with the handle down in such a stand. In Japan, if a guest came to your home and saw a sword mounted with the handle up, it would be considered an insult. A sword mounted in that manner allows the owner the ability to quickly draw the blade, thus stating the guest is not trusted.

I was wondering why would they mount it upside down, now I know. That makes lot of sense.

[Stu W]

Similarly I believe katana are placed into their horizontal stands with nakago to the left so as to not leave the impression a fast draw might be required. Possibly someone can confirm that for me?

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

Hi Bill,

If time permits would you be able to give some measurements on the stand? It looks like something I'd like to try building.

Regards,
Stu

[Bob Coleman]

Similarly I believe katana are placed into their horizontal stands with nakago to the left so as to not leave the impression a fast draw might be required. Possibly someone can confirm that for me?

Regards,
Stu

Stu-
That is correct. I learned the lesson when I hosted a Shinsa Team headed by Yosikawa Kentaro Sensei and a group of artisans at my home. One of his students, who spoke English went to my katana kake and turned the swords around as I had them placed with the tsuka to the right. He explained the reason to me, a mere novice at the time. It was a lesson well learned and never forgoten.

[Stu W]

Stu-
That is correct. I learned the lesson when I hosted a Shinsa Team headed by Yosikawa Kentaro Sensei and a group of artisans at my home. One of his students, who spoke English went to my katana kake and turned the swords around as I had them placed with the tsuka to the right. He explained the reason to me, a mere novice at the time. It was a lesson well learned and never forgoten.

Thanks for confirming that for me Bob. As it turns out that works quite well for those of us who are left handed.

Regards,
Stu

[Bill D.]

Thanks for the fascinating information, gentlemen !

I will certainly take some measurements and post them.

I can tell you that the curved sword holder simply fits into the base through a tapered "plug" on the bottom that fits into a hole in the base.
The "wings" on either side at the bottom of the sword holder, where it meets the base, are each held in place with two wooden pegs that plug into the sword holder.