The Marto 253 Dragon Katana is hand crafted by Marto of Toledo Spain. This richly decorative Katana features coiling dragon serpents sculpted in hand painted simulated ivory to create a stunningly beautiful hilt. The coiled serpent motif finds its way throughout the Katana design from Pommel to Tsuba (guard) down to the Saya Kojiri (scabbard tip). The Katana weighs in at approximately 3 lbs 2.8oz. The Blade measures 27-1/2 inches to the Tsuba with a Tang that visibly reaches up through the handle for this 40-1/4 inch Katana. The blade is of maintenance free AISI 440 Toledo Stainless Steel that is mirror polished and has been given a very sharp edge. It features a simulated yet realistic looking hamon that has been applied the length of the blade through a unique process applied by Marto bladesmiths during the forging stages. The Habaki is bronze plated to match and bears the Marto Logo deeply stamped on each side. The blade tang also bears the Marto Logo Stamp of authenticity. The Tsuka (handle) features a beautifully sculpted winged dragon perched upon a stone, with head curled downward gazing upon a young dragon. The two dragon bodies are intertwined and wrap down around the blade's visible tang all the way to the tsuba forming a unique and very comfortable handle grip. The eyes of the dragon pair are set in faux ruby jewels the dragon detailed in browns and sepia upon ivory while the young dragon complements in shades of green upon ivory. The Tsuba is of a circular coiled dragon cast in bronze antique finish revealing the dragon's detail top view (handle side)and underbelly(blade side). The Saya (scabbard) of the katana stealthfully houses a bronzed Kogatana (small knife) on one side of the Saya throat, and a bronzed Kogai (hair pick) on the opposite. The sharp steal single edged Kogatana is decorated with embossed floral design on its bronzed Kozuka (handle) while the Kogai features a battle scene sculpted in high relief upon its grip. The saya body is lacquered in high gloss black that is mixed with hints of ruby speckle that glisten when cast in proper light. The traditional woven Sageo are two fold, both tightly wrapped and knotted in rich gold and maroon threaded braid. Coiled serpent dragons decorate the saya throughout; one pair entwine creating the Kojiri (scabbard tip), another pair entwine and wrap around the saya center between the two Sageo cords, and the final serpent is coiled at the throat with extended head and tail that intersect the coiled dragon Tsuba when the Katana is fully sheathed. Read more on Decorative Series Swords
Marto of Toledo Spain has been a leader in quality for over 50 years, and as many collectors know, the attention and exquisite detailing exemplified in this museum quality Gold 253 Dragon Katana continues to affirm Marto's premier position as skilled artisans of the finest decorative Japanese swords available in the world today!
Although this product features a blade of high quality, strength, and temper, this item is not recommended, intended nor manufactured for battle and is thus classified as a "decorative sword".
