Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties
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Important Cultural Property

Spiral-Wrapped Sword Mounting (Hirumaki no Tachi)

黒漆銀銅蛭巻太刀
Spiral-Wrapped Sword Mounting (Hirumaki no Tachi) (黒漆銀銅蛭巻太刀)
PLATE IImage: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Swords & Armour · Nanbokuchō period, 14th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Date
1301–1400
Location
Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID
cobas-77839

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This sword mounting reportedly belonged to Nanbu Masanaga (died 1360), a general who supported Emperor Godaigo in his rebellion against the shogun. The scabbard is made of black-lacquered wood reinforced with strips of silver-coated bronze. This type of construction was favored by elite samurai for its design and durability.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Spiral-Wrapped Sword Mounting (Hirumaki no Tachi)（黒漆銀銅蛭巻太刀）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-77839. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/spiral-wrapped-sword-mounting-hirumaki-no-tachi/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Category: Applied arts:Arms and armor:Blades:Tachi
  • Genre: Arms & Armor
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural Property
  • Material: Black-lacquered wood with silvered bronze
  • 員数: 1口
  • 分類: 刀剣
  • 種別: 工芸:武器・武具:刀剣:太刀

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