Vintage Japanese katanakake sword display stand, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0359

Vintage Japanese katanakake sword display stand, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0359

A lacquered wood katanakake with gold-painted landscape decoration -- an elegant centerpiece for sword collectors and Japanese decor enthusiasts alike.

A katanakake is a traditional Japanese sword display stand designed to hold one or more swords horizontally, presenting them with the reverence and ceremony that Japanese sword culture demands. This vintage example features two upright support panels, each carved with a series of notched rests at graduated heights, allowing the katana and wakizashi -- the daisho pairing of the samurai -- to be displayed together in proper form. The high-gloss black lacquer-style finish envelops every surface, from the gracefully curved upright supports to the broad block feet, lending the piece a bold, formal presence. The craftsmanship is consistent with mid-Showa production, when quality decorative sword furniture was still being made for domestic collectors and ceremonial use.

The front panel of this katanakake is the true showpiece: a panoramic gold-painted landscape scene rendered across the full width of the arched backboard. Rolling mountain ranges recede across a calm expanse of water rendered in fine parallel wave lines, while the right side blooms with tall pine trees, craggy rocks, a small pavilion, and a hilltop castle -- classic motifs of Japanese landscape painting that evoke serenity and timeless beauty. In a modern home, this stand makes a stunning living room accent or study display piece whether or not a sword is present. It also works beautifully as a decorative scroll or textile rod holder, a unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage decor, or an eye-catching focal point in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Wood with black lacquer-style finish; gold-painted landscape decoration
• Use: Katanakake -- horizontal display stand for Japanese swords (katana and wakizashi)
• Modern Use: Living room or study display accent; decorative scroll or textile rod holder; unique gift for Japanese vintage collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Two carved upright supports with multiple notched rests at graduated tiers; high-gloss black lacquer-style finish throughout; arched front backboard panel decorated with detailed gold-painted sansui (landscape) scene depicting mountains, water, pine trees, rocks, pavilion, and castle; solid block feet for stable presentation
• Dimensions: 18 1/2"W x 7"D x 16 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of vintage Japanese decorative craft -- the katanakake brings the quiet drama of samurai culture and classical landscape art into any modern living space.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.