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Four Sword Blades
View: Side 1
Blade for sword of the katana type
Four Sword Blades
Inscribed by: Suishinshi Masahide (Japanese, 1750 – 1825)
Japanese
Edo period
1791 (Kansei 3)
Medium/Technique
Tempered steel
Dimensions
Length (overall): 92 cm (36 1/4 in.)
Length (blade): 70 cm (27 9/16 in.)
Other (curvature): 1.6 cm (5/8 in.)
Length (blade): 70 cm (27 9/16 in.)
Other (curvature): 1.6 cm (5/8 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.11017.1
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsArms and armor – Swords
InscriptionsSuishinshi Masahide (kaô) Kansei san nen hachigatsu hi
水心子正秀（花押） 寛政三年八月日
水心子正秀（花押） 寛政三年八月日
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.