Nihonto Display Options?

[Robert C. Walker]

Are there good on-line or print resources for choices about displaying nihonto? I am curious about how people display swords complete with fittings as compared to blades and fittings separately.

[Brian]

Robert,

 

I would suspect that most people who are displaying swords in koshirae either just have them on a sword stand on a table or shelf, or have a wall mounted stand that works the same way.

Not too many options open to you I think?

 

Brian

[Robert C. Walker]

Thanks Brian,

 

That is how I have my iaito and new wakizashi displayed now, on a wall-mounted stand. I guess that a shirasaya would be the choice for a blade alone but what about ways to display koshirae alone? Do people mount them in cases?

 

Rob

[John A Stuart]

Hi RCW, I have them in a safe when at work. In a katanadansu when home except for my daily sword and bokken which are wall mounted. If I could afford nice display cases, sort of like glass fronted barrister shelves, I'd do that. Security is my main issue. John

[Robert C. Walker]

Hello JAS,

 

Sad to think that security needs to be your main issue on the Arctic Coast but I guess that is true everywhere. Thank you for mentioning the katana dansu. I was unaware of them. That looks like the perfect solution.

 

Rob

[huntershooter]

Hi RCW; I have seen koshirae displayed in a glass front "shadow box" that was lined with silk. This was in a restaurant in Vail Co. It looked great. I have since copied this idea for my use at home.

[Robert C. Walker]

I like the shadow box idea. Thanks.

[Andi B.]

Only an idea:

I have hung up a katana (not a valuable antique) with two guitar strings from the ceiling like a painting. The sword is placed above a plain shelf. The strings are nearly invisible and therefore the sword is "hovering" and not affected by any stand.

 

The strings were cushioned by simply using black wire insulation from an old earphone...

 

(Of course it is not safe and is a bit intricate to handle...)

[huntershooter]

Hmmmmm, a Nihonto mobile.... If I only had 16' tall ceilings.

[Robert C. Walker]

Great idea Andi and it would allow me to re-use a few old high E strings. Unless the sword resonated more with the B string, I suppose. Is there an inherent frequency in blades? Would they vary by period and maker? Any engineers out there?

[AndreasU]

That's how it looks like in my livingroom. Nothing special maybe.

 

The Oshigata is framed in dark "wenge" wood. I don't know the english term for it. It looks like dark brown oak but has some thin light brown and dark brown stripes.

The saya is "tiger stripe" one. It is hard to photograph as it is only visible under some special light conditions.

 

Very nice wood!

[huntershooter]

I like that a great deal Andreas.

[Robert C. Walker]

The use of the shadow box on the top of the display stand is an attractive idea. Very nice.

[AndreasU]

This is just temporary as long my Waki is not there. Tha Waki will also have an Oshigata plus papers. These will also be in a "you call it " shadow box.

 

Then I am complete for the next months. So far the theorie..... :lol: