Rare Insect & Reptile Masterpiece Sword Scabbard, Aogai Raden Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon) with Muromachi Kanekage Wakizashi (NBTHK Hozon)

Smith: Kanekage (兼景)
Type: Wakizashi (sun-nobi tantō form)
Period: Late Muromachi period (16th century)
Blade Length: 30.9 cm
Curvature (Sori): 0.6 cm
Mounting: Carved wooden aikuchi koshirae with mother-of-pearl (aogai raden) inlay
Certification: NBTHK Hozon Token (blade) & NBTHK Hozon Tosogu (mounting)
Condition: Very good antique condition. Professionally polished blade with age-appropriate wear to fittings consistent with use and age.

Notes:

While the blade itself is an excellent late Muromachi work by the Mino smith Kanekage, it is the remarkable koshirae (scabbard and small knife) that transforms this piece into something truly exceptional.

Carved from wood and lavishly decorated with finely inlaid mother-of-pearl, the aikuchi mounting depicts an astonishing world of insects and small creatures. Dragonflies, cicadas, butterflies, praying mantises, grasshoppers, spiders, snakes, lizards, snails, slugs, fireflies and other woodland inhabitants emerge from the surface in high relief, each carefully carved and accented with shell or metal inlay.

Unlike the more formal themes commonly found on Japanese sword mountings—dragons, waves, bamboo or family crests—this composition celebrates the overlooked life of the forest floor. The result feels almost like a natural history cabinet translated into lacquered wood, combining sculptural carving with extraordinary decorative craftsmanship.

The accompanying blade bears the signature Kanekage, a respected Mino smith active during the late Muromachi period. The blade displays an active gunome-based temper with lively internal activity, while the forging shows the flowing itame characteristic of quality Mino workmanship.

Both the blade and the koshirae have received separate NBTHK Hozon certification, an uncommon distinction that recognizes not only the historical importance of the sword itself but also the artistic significance of its mounting.

Whether appreciated as a Japanese sword, a work of decorative carving, or a rare survival of Edo-period craftsmanship, this is a remarkable object that rewards close study from every angle.

Keywords: Kanekage, wakizashi, tanto, Muromachi sword, NBTHK Hozon, aikuchi, raden, mother of pearl, Japanese sword, samurai, koshirae, tosogu, insect motif, dragonfly, cicada, butterfly, praying mantis, snake, Japanese antique