{"product_id":"edo-period-black-japanese-katana-kake-with-gold-maki-e-lacquer-samurai-sword-stand-rack","title":"Edo-Period Black Japanese Katana-Kake with Gold Maki-e Lacquer, Samurai Sword Stand Rack","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"jspb-product\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdo Period Japanese Katana Kake Sword Stand, Black Urushi Gold Maki-e Three-Tier Samurai Sword Rack\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Samurai Interior Object Where Function Becomes Ceremony\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Japanese sword was never merely laid aside. Within the traditional samurai interior, the manner in which a sword was received, positioned, displayed, and protected formed part of the larger discipline surrounding the weapon itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis striking antique \u003cstrong\u003ekatana kake sword stand\u003c\/strong\u003e transforms that practical requirement into decorative art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstructed in wood and finished in lustrous black lacquer, the stand is richly ornamented with repeating gold maki-e vine motifs across almost every visible surface. The dark lacquer acts as a visual night sky for the warm gold decoration, while broad gilded borders trace the architectural silhouette of the uprights, feet, and central panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts tall branching supports provide \u003cstrong\u003ethree separate sword-resting levels\u003c\/strong\u003e, making this considerably more elaborate than a simple single-sword display stand. The tiered construction gives the object a commanding architectural quality even when displayed without swords.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith approximate dimensions of \u003cstrong\u003e36.3 cm high × 48 cm wide × 19.5 cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e, it has enough physical presence to stand as an independent work of Japanese decorative art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlack Lacquer and Gold Maki-e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most immediate feature is the contrast between the deep black lacquer ground and the dense gold decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than concentrating ornament into a single crest or pictorial panel, the artisan covered the stand with a continuous field of delicate scrolling vines and stylized botanical forms. Small gold motifs repeat rhythmically across the broad center panel, the vertical sword supports, and the lower feet, creating movement without overwhelming the restrained form of the object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe effect changes dramatically according to light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a distance, the stand reads primarily as an elegant black silhouette edged in gold. At closer range, the surface opens into dozens of individually articulated motifs linked by fine curling tendrils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relationship between darkness and reflected gold is one of the great visual pleasures of traditional Japanese lacquerwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder warm directional lighting, the ornament appears almost suspended over the black ground, giving the stand an understated ceremonial richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAn Elaborate Three-Tier Katana Kake\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe upright ends reveal that this is not a simple one-level sword rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach side incorporates \u003cstrong\u003ethree shaped supports\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing multiple swords or sword-related objects to be arranged vertically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, Japanese sword stands existed in many configurations depending upon household, purpose, and display context. A multi-level example such as this offered both additional capacity and considerably greater decorative presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a contemporary collector, that architecture provides flexibility. It can be used to present a curated grouping of Japanese swords and koshirae, or displayed entirely on its own as a sculptural lacquer object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe curving profile of the uprights is particularly elegant. Seen from an angle, their repeated branching forms create a strong rhythm that contrasts with the long horizontal sweep of the central panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substantial stepped feet stabilize the composition and give the stand the quiet authority expected from an object associated with samurai material culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Framework for the Sword, Not a Competitor to It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finest sword furniture understands restraint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA heavily ornamented stand can easily overwhelm the sword placed upon it, yet this example works differently. Its black lacquer provides a calm visual foundation while the gold ornament becomes most apparent only as the viewer approaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA polished black or dark saya would sit naturally against the gold pattern. An iron, shakudo, silver, gilt, or mixed-metal koshirae would also be framed beautifully by the restrained palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword remains the protagonist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe katana kake becomes its architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relationship between object and setting is one of the reasons antique Japanese display furnishings are increasingly appreciated beyond the traditional field of arms collecting. They belong equally to the histories of lacquer, furniture, interior design, decorative arts, and samurai culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Decorative Motif\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe repeating gold pattern is formed from \u003cstrong\u003estylized botanical or gourd-like forms connected by curling vines\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than forcing a specific botanical identification where the stylization makes certainty difficult, the pattern can be understood within the broader Japanese decorative vocabulary of trailing vines and repeating auspicious plant forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scrolling movement is particularly effective across the long central panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of a symmetrical crest positioned rigidly in the center, the decoration appears to travel freely across the surface. This creates a more organic counterpoint to the disciplined geometry of the stand itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pattern continues onto the vertical supports and feet, demonstrating that the decoration was conceived for the whole object rather than simply added to its most visible face.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEdo Period Character\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece has been described as an \u003cstrong\u003eEdo-period katana kake\u003c\/strong\u003e, and its construction, proportions, lacquered wooden body, gold maki-e ornamentation, and overall vocabulary are compatible with traditional Japanese sword-display furniture of that broad period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable museum examples demonstrate that lacquered katana kake were indeed part of Edo-period sword culture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds an 18th-century Japanese wood-and-lacquer sword stand measuring 38.7 cm high, while the Birmingham Museum of Art holds an Edo-period example dating to around 1700 in wood, lacquer, steel, and gold. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with many privately preserved Japanese decorative objects, exact dating should ultimately be considered together with construction, lacquer technique, provenance, storage history, and any accompanying documentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor that reason, the historical character of the piece is presented with respect rather than exaggerated certainty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Samurai Domestic Interior\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe katana kake occupies an interesting place in Japanese material culture because it sits at the boundary between weapon accessory and furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword itself was an intensely personal object, yet when brought into an interior it required an appropriate architectural setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA stand gave the weapon a defined place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt elevated the sword from an object simply resting on a surface into a formally presented possession.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin a carefully composed room, the stand could therefore communicate order, rank, refinement, and attention to etiquette without needing monumental scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is precisely why lacquer was such an effective material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack urushi offered visual gravity. Gold maki-e introduced distinction without sacrificing discipline. Together they created an object luxurious enough to acknowledge the importance of the sword while remaining restrained enough not to compete with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBeautiful Even Without Swords\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strongest qualities of this particular stand is that it does not require swords to make visual sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts long low body, upward-flaring supports, stepped feet, black-and-gold palette, and dense ornamentation allow it to function as a decorative object in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be displayed in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea Japanese sword collection\u003cbr\u003ea study or library\u003cbr\u003ea tokonoma-inspired alcove\u003cbr\u003ea traditional or contemporary Japanese interior\u003cbr\u003ea gallery cabinet\u003cbr\u003ea collector's room\u003cbr\u003ea martial arts dojo reception space\u003cbr\u003ea wabi-sabi interior\u003cbr\u003ea dark minimalist room\u003cbr\u003ean Asian decorative arts collection\u003cbr\u003ea museum-inspired display\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlaced against timber, plaster, stone, or a neutral wall, the glossy black surface creates a particularly beautiful visual bridge between antique Japanese furniture and contemporary interior architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOriginal Storage and Stewardship\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly desirable aspect of an important lacquer object is the survival of its \u003cstrong\u003ewooden storage box\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional Japanese storage was not incidental packaging. It formed part of the long-term stewardship of sensitive materials such as lacquer, protecting them from unnecessary abrasion, handling, dust, and prolonged exposure while the object was not being displayed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collectors, the presence of an associated storage box strengthens the sense that the katana kake was treated as an object worthy of preservation rather than merely functional household equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLacquer is durable, but its preservation rewards thoughtful handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid prolonged direct sunlight, excessive dryness, strong heat sources, abrasive polishing compounds, and aggressive cleaning. Gentle dusting with a very soft clean cloth is generally preferable to repeated polishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSurface, Patina and Age\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photographs reveal minor age-related surface marks, rubbing, abrasions, and variation to the lacquer and gilt decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese characteristics are appropriate to an older functional object that was handled, stored, assembled with swords, and displayed over an extended period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not visually dominant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore importantly, the overall decorative program remains extremely legible. The black lacquer retains excellent depth, the gold ornament remains abundant, and the architecture of the stand presents strongly from every photographed angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe small padded areas visible inside several sword rests also provide an interesting functional detail and help protect a resting scabbard from direct contact with the wooden support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCollector Relevance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece crosses several collecting fields simultaneously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese sword collector\u003c\/strong\u003e, it offers a historically sympathetic display structure considerably more appropriate than a modern mass-produced stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a \u003cstrong\u003elacquer collector\u003c\/strong\u003e, it offers architectural scale, broad decorated surfaces, and extensive maki-e work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a \u003cstrong\u003esamurai-art collector\u003c\/strong\u003e, it represents the domestic culture surrounding the sword rather than the weapon alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an \u003cstrong\u003einterior collector\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is a rare piece of functional sculpture whose silhouette remains compelling even without its original purpose being activated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat versatility is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strongest Japanese decorative objects often survive shifts in context precisely because the artistry remains understandable even after the original ritual or household environment has disappeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eObject Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObject Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Katana kake \/ Japanese sword display stand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConfiguration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Three-tier \/ multi-sword rack\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edo period attribution \/ traditional antique Japanese production\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wood\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black urushi-style lacquer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold maki-e botanical and scrolling vine motifs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrim:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gilt \/ gold-finished edges and architectural accents\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Katana, wakizashi, tanto or Japanese sword display\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Associated wooden storage box\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 36.3 cm H × 48 cm W × 19.5 cm D\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSword or sword fittings shown or referenced are \u003cstrong\u003enot included\u003c\/strong\u003e unless expressly stated otherwise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAntique condition with age-related wear consistent with historical use and storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpected characteristics may include small scratches, lacquer abrasions, minor losses or softening to gold decoration, surface rubbing, handling marks, minor age-related movement of wooden components, and natural variations associated with traditional construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall structure presents attractively and the extensive black-and-gold decorative scheme remains visually strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully before purchase and contact us if additional detail photographs or measurements would be helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePurchase, Shipping and Vintage Policy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome pieces in our collection have a little room for negotiation while others are offered closer to a firm price. Respectful best offers are welcome and are considered individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe make every effort to represent our objects accurately through detailed photography and description. Please contact us before purchasing if you would like additional photographs, measurements, condition clarification, or information about any particular area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage and antique objects naturally carry evidence of age, handling, traditional production, previous ownership, patination, oxidation, surface wear, minor irregularities, and restoration where applicable. These characteristics form part of the individuality and history of collectible objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparation, packing, shipping and handling normally require \u003cstrong\u003e5–10 business days or earlier\u003c\/strong\u003e. Antique lacquerware receives careful protective packing appropriate to its shape and surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available to many destinations using an appropriate tracked service from Japan. Shipping method may vary according to destination, packed dimensions, insurance requirements, and carrier restrictions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny applicable import duties, customs charges, VAT, brokerage charges, or destination-country taxes are the responsibility of the buyer unless explicitly stated otherwise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for this type of katana kake in another size, configuration, decorative motif, or period, please feel free to message us. Although availability cannot be guaranteed, we may be able to locate the same or a closely related piece through our sourcing network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#JapaneseKatanaKake #KatanaKake #JapaneseSwordStand #KatanaStand #SwordRack #SamuraiDecor #SamuraiAntique #JapaneseLacquer #Urushi #Makie #GoldMakie #BlackLacquer #JapaneseAntique #EdoPeriod #EdoArt #JapaneseDecorativeArt #JapaneseFurniture #JapaneseSwordCollection #SwordCollector #SamuraiCollection #JapaneseWeaponArt #KatanaDisplay #WakizashiDisplay #TantoDisplay #JapaneseInterior #Tokonoma #JapaneseArt #AsianAntiques #AsianDecorativeArt #Lacquerware #JapaneseLacquerware #GoldLacquer #TraditionalJapaneseCraft #SamuraiInterior #JapaneseHeritage #JapaneseCraftsmanship #AntiqueLacquer #JapaneseCollectibles #MuseumStyleDecor #CollectorDisplay #WabiSabiInterior #JapaneseDesign #MakiEArt #UrushiArt #SwordDisplayStand #HistoricJapan #JapaneseCulture #ArtFurniture #SamuraiArt #JapaneseLuxury\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ejapanese katana, katana kake, sword stand, samurai decor, japanese lacquer, gold makie, edo period, sword rack, katana display, japanese antique, samurai antique, urushi lacquer, sword collector\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaterial Tags\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewood, black lacquer, urushi style lacquer, gold maki-e, gilt decoration, traditional lacquerwork, wooden sword stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector \/ Curator \/ Personal Shopper From Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53820704293157,"sku":null,"price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/8829\/6229\/files\/AG-141_1.jpg?v=1789380904","url":"https:\/\/japonista.com\/products\/edo-period-black-japanese-katana-kake-with-gold-maki-e-lacquer-samurai-sword-stand-rack","provider":"Japonista","version":"1.0","type":"link"}