Description
This wooden sword stand is suitable for exhibiting a Katana sword. As seen in the example pictures, you could also display a Daisho (Katana & Wakizashi) set. You could enjoy this item as a sword stand or interior decoration in your room. The Makie (蒔絵) technique is used effectively to make an elegant look of this sword stand. It is a typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1,200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes a gorgeous and elegant look to works.
This sword stand features two elegant designs: one side depicts a lavish Itoge-guruma (糸毛車), an ox-drawn carriage set against blooming camellia trees, while the other shows a Dadaiko drum (鼉太鼓) used in traditional Japanese court music (雅楽, Gagaku).
The camellia (椿, tsubaki) is an evergreen plant and has long been regarded as an auspicious symbol in Japan. Before plum blossoms were introduced from China, it was honored as one of the most fortunate plants—referred to as “pine, bamboo, and camellia.” In the Heian period, it was cherished as a noble flower. Valued for its many uses such as camellia oil, the plant has been closely tied to Japanese daily life, and its written character 椿, composed of “tree (木)” and “spring (春),” evokes the arrival of spring.
The Itoge-guruma illustrated here is a richly decorated ox carriage used by high-ranking women in the early Heian period. Covered with twisted silk threads and adorned with gold and silver patterns, it was a symbol of aristocratic elegance. The stand also shows the shiji, a platform used to support the carriage’s shafts and serve as a stepping stool.
The reverse side presents a left-side Dadaiko drum, positioned on the left of the Gagaku stage during Bugaku performances. This drum symbolizes the sun and features a carved dragon, while its counterpart on the right—representing the moon—bears a phoenix. Together, they reflect a worldview shaped by Chinese yin-yang philosophy and Buddhist cosmology.
*As this product is an antique, there are small scratches and dents on the wood. Please check each photo and ensure its condition.
*Please note that these Display 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/
