​Dance Katana with Rattan Wrapping, Buyōtō, 1960s, Japan

An elegant Japanese theatre and dance katana (buyōtō) from the 1960s, featuring refined natural wrapping and richly decorated metal details.

Dimensions: H 101 × W 7 × D 7.5 cm.

The elongated, gently curved wooden scabbard (saya) and handle are carefully wrapped with fine strips of rattan in warm honey-brown tones. The closely spaced lines emphasise the graceful shape of the sword and give it a beautiful natural texture.

The handle features a decorative metal dragon ornament with a blue-green patina. The finely crafted end cap also depicts a dragon in relief.

The dark metal handguard (tsuba) is richly decorated with a dragon, stylised waves and a mountain landscape, subtly highlighted with gold-toned details.

The metal blade has a silver-coloured finish with a clearly visible, wavy hamon pattern. On this dance sword, the pattern is decorative, referencing the traditional temper line found on Japanese katana.

A dark, intricately knotted fastening cord (sageo) creates a beautiful contrast with the warm natural tones of the scabbard.

In lovely vintage condition, with minor signs of age and use.

A refined collector's piece that brings together traditional Japanese design and decorative craftsmanship. A beautiful addition to a collection of Japanese katana and a striking accent in a contemporary interior.

Supplied without the display stand shown in the photographs.