Used by Uesugi Kenshin
Late Muromachi Period (16th century)
Donated by Aida Noboru
This is the hilt of a field sword said to have been used by Uesugi Kenshin (1530–1578), who was considered one of the most powerful daimyō of the Sengoku (Warring States) period.
Nodachi, as field swords or large swords are sometimes known, refer to long swords that were carried on one’s back or by a strong follower when going to battle. They were used in actual warfare, and generally had blades measuring over three shaku (approximately 91cm long).