Description
This wooden sword stand, finished in rich lacquer, is adorned with exquisite Raden (螺鈿, mother-of-pearl inlay) and Takamaki-e (高蒔絵, raised gold lacquer) decoration, exemplifying the pinnacle of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The design depicts an elegant composition of autumn grasses (秋の七草, Aki no Nanakusa).
The motif is inspired by the Seven Flowers of Autumn, or Aki no Nanakusa): bush clover (萩, Hagi), pampas grass (薄, Susuki), arrowroot (葛, Kuzu), pinks (撫子, Nadeshiko), patrinia (女郎花, Ominaeshi), boneset (藤袴, Fujibakama), and bellflower (桔梗, Kikyo). These plants are traditionally depicted growing close together, evoking a wistful yet serene atmosphere that reflects the ephemeral beauty of nature. Their imagery conveys the transience of life and the quiet melancholy of passing seasons, themes deeply rooted in classical Japanese aesthetics.
The term Aki no Nanakusa was first immortalized by the 8th-century poet Yamanoue no Okura (山上憶良) in the Manyōshū (万葉集), Japan’s oldest existing anthology of poetry. His verses celebrated these seven plants as enduring symbols of autumn’s refined beauty, shaping a cultural ideal that continues to resonate through the centuries.
In Japanese tradition, these flowers embody the aesthetic sensibility of “Mono no Aware(物の哀れ, The pathos of things),” the awareness of impermanence and the subtle emotions it evokes. Kikyo signifies constancy and faithfulness, Nadeshiko represents purity and grace, and Susuki suggests quiet melancholy and the elegance of simplicity. Together, they express a poetic appreciation for nature’s fleeting yet profound beauty.
The Raden technique employs iridescent shell inlays that shimmer in hues of blue, green, and violet, resembling moonlight glimmering on dewy leaves. In contrast, the Takamaki-e technique uses fine layers of lacquer and gold powder to create delicate relief, accentuating the veins of the leaves and the contours of each flower petal. The warm reddish-brown lacquer ground provides both depth and harmony, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow—an embodiment of refined restraint and balance characteristic of classical Japanese design.
Overall, this sword stand not only serves as an elegant display for a Katana or Daisho set, but also stands as a work of art that embodies the timeless harmony between craftsmanship, poetry, and nature in Japanese culture.
*As this product is an antique, there are small scratches and dents on the wood. Please check each photo and ensure its condition.
*In addition, there is a repaired crack on the bottom part of this sword stand. Although it has been restored, the repair mark remains visible. Please check the detailed condition in the photos as well.
*Please note that these replica swords are NOT included in this item.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
