Sword with Carved Handle

Unlike sacred swords kept as treasures, the tashiro is intended for work in the mountains as well as self-protection from bear attacks. The blade is usually Japanese-made for trade, and the Ainu often attached a carved handle and sheath, such as those shown here.

• Artist: Ainu (Culture)
• Medium: Wood
• Dates: late 19th-early 20th century
• Dimensions: 1 9/16 x 19 3/4 in. (4 x 50.2 cm)
• Collection: Asian Art
• Museum Location: Brooklyn Museum, BMA, EXHIBITION-2, Asian 2V18
• Accession Number: 12.497
• Image: "Knife and scabbard", 12.497a-b_view1_Ainu_project.jpg. North American Ainu Documentation Project, Yoshiburo Kotani, 1990-92, Jul 31, 1997