A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
This item has been sold.

Overall length:

42.5 cm

 

Scythe length:

19.5 cm

 

Scythe thickness:

6mm (base)

5mm (middle)

 

Scythe width:

37mm (base)

36mm (middle)

 

Chain length:

247 cm

 

Total weight:

2205 grams

 

Scythe weight:

1089 grams

 

Weighted end:

441 grams

 

Materials:

Steel, wood, copper, iron, shark skin, silk, gold thread.

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The Japanese kusarigama is a variation of the gama, a scythe-like weapon that was likely inspired by farming tools. The kusarigama adds a chain to either the back of the blade or the end of the handle (like on this example). The idea was to hit or entangle the opponent with the weight and chain and follow up with an attack of the scythe blade.


This kusarigama is a rather well-made example. The sturdy blade is signed on both sides.

Left: 十面, "Ten-sided"
Right: 則光作, "Made by Norimitsu"

It is secured to the wooden shaft with a bamboo pin called mekugi. The shaft itself is wrapped in shark skin and with an ornament with a longevity symbol on either side, made in shakudo (赤銅), a prized copper-gold alloy that is patinated to a raven black. The shaft is further strengthened with a number bands of blackened iron, one of which features a hook for catching a blade, much like the Japanese jitte (十手).

The grip section is wrapped like a Japanese sword would be, with silk over a silk brocade background with two metal ornaments, called menuki, under the wrap.

A long chain is attached to the pommel, with on its end a heavy conical weight with an octagonal base. The weight bears an inscription:

永正十年 (10th year of Eishō, corresponding to 1514 A.D.)

二月二十四日 (24 of February)

因刕住安 inabazu ?

囦利  ?

 

 

 

A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.
A Japanese kusarigama, scythe and chain weapon.

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