Mt. Fuji Katana Kake - Late Meiji period (c. 1880–1910)
Status
available
Price
$1,800
Description
An antique katana stand (katanakake) from the late 1800s to early 1900s, entirely hand-painted in gold maki-e on black urushi lacquer. This rare example includes two functional drawers—an uncommon feature found in fewer than one in ten pieces. Once damaged in transit, it was restored through the Japanese art of kintsugi, emphasizing the philosophy of beauty in imperfection. The piece embodies the Zen notion that what is broken can become more beautiful through mindful repair. It can hold up to three swords and is ideal for displaying an antique katana and wakizashi. A book on kintsugi accompanies the piece, stored inside one of the drawers.
The Story
Originally purchased by a respected samurai art dealer, this Meiji-period katana kake suffered a clean break during shipment from Japan. Rather than discard it, Taum saw an opportunity to honor its imperfection through kintsugi—the traditional art of repairing with gold lacquer. Rooted in Zen philosophy, kintsugi teaches that damage and repair become part of an object’s story, not something to hide but to celebrate. This stand’s restored seam, shimmering in gold, now symbolizes renewal and the passage of time. Once used to cradle a samurai’s prized katana and wakizashi, it stands today as a testament to resilience and wabi-sabi beauty.
Other Swords in This Collection
Mihara Lion
"三原獅子"
Lord of Saga
"佐賀の君主"
The Lion & The Rose
"獅子と菊"
Dream Catcher
"夢をつかむ者"
Sword of Many Fists
"拳の多き剣"
Birds & Flowers
"鳥と花"
Ogon Ki
"Golden Wood"
Princess & The Warrior
Tiger & Bamboo
Star of David Tsuba
In the Service of the Shogun
"将軍奉公"
Imperial Lord
"帝君"
Redeemer
"救済者"
Samurai Van Gogh
"侍画聖"
The Butterfly and The Rose
"蝶と薔薇"
The Last of the Samurai
"最後の侍"
Daimyo Lord
"大名主"
River Dragon
"河竜"
