Blade and Mounting for a Double-Edged Dagger (Ken)
Unknown Artist
blade, late 12th–early 13th century; mounting, 14th century
Medium
Steel, wood, copper, gold
Dimensions
L. of blade 12 1/16 in. (30.6 cm); L. of cutting edge 8 3/16 in. (20.8 cm); L. of hilt 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm)
Classification
Daggers
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
Accession Number
29.100.1369a–c
Art Historical Context
This exquisite blade and mounting for a double-edged dagger, known as a *ken*, exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of medieval Japan. The steel blade, forged in the late 12th to early 13th century the transition from the He to Kamakura periods, measures 12 inches long with an 8-inch cutting edge showcasing the era's advanced metallurgy. Its later 14th-century mountingcrafted from wood, copper, and—adds opulent decoration, transforming the weapon into a ceremonial treasure rather than mere battlefield utility. Unlike the curved swords like the tachi or katana associated with samurai warrio...