Kinnashiji family crest Sannaginata (City-designated important tangible cultural property)

Naginata (long swords) are weapons that were widely used from the end of the Heian period through to the Muromachi period. Some were so large that the blade alone was as long as six shaku 3 sun (approximately 1.9 meters). They were mainly used by lower-ranking samurai, such as foot samurai, who fought on foot. This was likely because they were effective as a tool against mounted warriors. However, as time went on, they gradually fell out of use, and by the Edo period they were considered women's weapons. This naginata was made in the early Edo period, and the fine craftsmanship of the time can be seen in the gold pear-skin lacquer on the scabbard and handle, as well as the construction of the metal fittings. The blade was made by Fujiwara Teruhiro, the third generation of the lord of Harima.