Sword knife hilt

About this artwork

…; collection of Herman Karel Westendorp (1868-1941), Amsterdam, 1941;{Note RMA.} his widow Betsy Westendorp-Osieck (1880-1968), Amsterdam, by whom bequeathed to the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1968;{note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, 1972

Art Historical Context

This delicate sword knife hilt, crafted by the skilled Japanese artisan Masayasu, dates to sometime between 1500 and 1900—a span encompassing the Muromachi, Edo, and early Meiji periods. Measuring just 9.7 cm in height and 1.3 cm in width, its compact form suggests it adorned a tanto (short sword) or knife, integral to the samurai's arsenal and daily carry. Masayasu, part of a storied lineage of swordsmiths, exemplifies the precision of Japanese blade craftsmanship, where hilts were not mere utilities but symbols of status, artistry, and spiritual power. Though the medium remains unidentified, such fittings often featured shakudō (alloyed copper), gold inlays, or intricate engravings blending functionality with aesthetic refinement. This piece's survival through centuries highlights the reverence for tōken (Japanese swords) as cultural treasures, blending martial tradition with fine metalwork. Its provenance adds intrigue: once in the collection of Dutch connoisseur Herman Karel Westendorp (1868-1941) in Amsterdam, it passed to his widow Betsy Westendorp-Osieck and was bequeathed in 1968 to the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, from whom it has been on loan to the museum since 1972. A testament to global appreciation for Japanese artistry.