An unususal wood and stag-antler sword stand (katana kake)
Edo period, 19th century
The body carved and assembled from wood in the form of a reclining Chinese lion (shishi), the pattern of the wood grain used to enhance the design of the animal's body, the eyes inlaid in glass and visible through the natural openings at the base of the antlers, the rack notched in three positions to securely support three blades 26in (66cm) high