Katana Handachi

Description

This is an example of a Handachi sword, with a fascinating length of 70 cm. It has a thick kasane (back edge of the blade), with little difference in blade width at the top and bottom of the sword. This blade is in good condition, with a masame-hada body.

And what a saya (scabbard). This saya is known as Han-dachi Koshirae, or a “Half-Tachi”. “Han” means half, and dachi is for “Tachi”. This koshirae is halfway between the katana and tachi mounts. The Han-dachi originally appeared during the Muromachi period, when the transition from the tachi to the katana took place. The sword was increasingly carried with the blade upwards when on foot, but with the blade downwards when on horseback, as was the case with the tachi. The handachi is a response to the need to be able to carry it in either style.

All the pieces fit together perfectly: this is a truly complete sword and very representative of its period. The incredibly striking tsuba (guard) is big and bold, and adds balance to the sword. The rather large menuki (under the silk hilt of the tsuka) is from the fan held by a sumo referee in the ring. A fitting tribute to this warrior sword.

The inoshishi is famous for having a very focused and determined character that does not give up. It attacks with a purpose. Like the tombo, the dragonfly, which flies in formation and does not retreat, the inoshishi was revered in the Japanese samurai. Both the dragon fly and the inoshishi were often symbolised on the mounts of Japanese samurai swords.
In general, it is a magnificent sword.