Bidspirit auction | Japanese Wakizashi Sword w/ Scabbard,

Japanese Wakizashi Sword w/ Scabbard, Koto Period 900CE - 1596CE - Japanese wakizashi sword with scabbard, Koto period 900CE - 1596CE. Signed to the tang 5 character ”MEI” signature. Scabbard in wood with black lacquer over in the form of many ribs. Brass and silver collar. Tsuba with light engraving of cloud formations in iron with gilt brass spacers. The top with more carving and detail including gold gilding. Gilt brass spacer, iron and gold fuchi sleeve with stippled background to seas and dragon creature in gold. Ray skin grip tightly wrapped. Menuki ornament to grip of a gilt lion or beast. Matching kashira pommel in iron with gold decoration of a dragon and cloud or sea formations. Size 22 1/2” L, blade 14 3/4” L. Koto refers to the old sword period or era from about 900-1596. Many of the blades from this period can be described as lighter and more curved or well formed which saw a decline at the beginning of the Shinto period. Private USA Collection of Japanese Arms and Armour Condition: Handles wood pin absent, sheath with loses to base area under tape and other loses to sheath as well.