tachi (slung sword) in saya (scabbard), unknown maker from Japan

Exhibition Label: "Pop Goes Godzilla," Sep-2004, Kyungwon Choe The elaborate and colorful all-over kiku, kiri decoration on this scabbard is an indication that the sword and scabbard were probably made for decorative, rather than military, purposes. Kiku, or chrysanthemum, used in combination with kiri, or paulownia (typically represented by its distinctively shaped leaves and chain-like clusters of purple, trumpet-shaped flowers), is a symbol for the Japanese imperial family. The dragon on the handle also indicates imperial or court association. Archive Label 2003: The elaborate and colorful all-over kiku, kiri decoration on this scabbard is an indication that the sword and scabbard were probably made for decorative, rather than military, purposes. Kiku, or chrysanthemum, used in combination with kiri, or paulownia (typically represented by its distinctively shaped leaves and chain-like clusters of purple trumpet-shaped flowers), is a symbol for the Japanese imperial family. However, in this instance, it is likely that the flowers are used strictly for decorative, rather than symbolic, purposes.