The object is a katanakake, a traditional Japanese sword stand designed to hold and display one or more swords when not in use. This example dates to the late Edo period in the 19th century, when katanakake were both functional implements and important elements of interior display in samurai residences. During the Edo period, the sword transitioned from a primary weapon to a symbol of status and identity; accordingly, the way swords were stored and presented became a reflection of the owner’s rank and taste.

This katanakake is finished using the makie technique, a decorative lacquer method in which gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create intricate designs. The motifs depicted—rocks, waves, and migratory birds—are drawn from classical Japanese iconography. Rocks and waves typically symbolize endurance and the natural forces, while migratory birds can signify change, passage, and aspiration. The inclusion of such motifs reflects both an appreciation for nature and a deep-rooted tradition of symbolic imagery in Japanese decorative arts.