Japan, 1900-1945. Rare 1875 model infantry officer's saber f - Lot 397

Japan, 1900-1945. Rare 1875 model infantry officer's saber from a member of the ASANO clan (47 ronin). Gilded brass frame with cherry blossom decoration, brass filigree brown horn spindle, two hawk feathered surname identifying the AZANO clan. Beautiful white arsenal blade with etched false temper line. Nickel-plated steel scabbard with one suspension ring and asymmetrical sting. 91.5 cm (Blade 78 cm). (Wear and minor wear, good condition) Note: This sword belonged to one of the descendants of the ASANO samurai clan, the only survivor. Historical background: The story of the 47 ronins is a true story, illustrating samurai legend and representing the fundamental values of the Japanese warrior caste. It is a legend that has become an example of honor and loyalty for all Japanese. In 1701, Asano NAGANORI, a samurai official called to the royal court of the shogunate in Edo, capital of Japan at the time, was condemned to seppuku (samurai ritual sacrifice) by Shogun TOKUGAWA TSUNAYOSHI, for wounding his superior, the palace master of ceremonies Kira YOSHINAKA (known to be corrupt and sold out), in a duel. Kira YOSHINAKA, a high-ranking official of the shogunate, was never punished or investigated. Asano NAGANORI, originally from the Akô fiefdom, had a group of samurai under his command. His death led to the confiscation of his fiefdom by the Shogun, and the samurai living there became ronin (masterless warriors). The 47 ronin loyal to Asano NAGANORI, who considered their leader's death an injustice, decided to avenge him by murdering Kira. Over the next two years, the 47 ronins worked on their revenge. At dawn on December 14, 1702, the 47 ronins attacked Kira's home, killed him and took his head to the tomb of their former master, Lord Asano. The ronins then surrendered to the authorities. The shogun decided not to condemn them as common criminals, and granted them samurai death by seppuku. Bibliography: Sabres & Armes Blanches de l'Armée Impériale Japonaise (1868-1945) by Fabrice WATEAU, published by Du May.