A collection of four hommages to Paul L. Davidson, presented by Christine Horwart, Tanobe Michihiro, Nick Kolick and Robert Hughes.

A collection of memories from those who knew him

Words from Christine Horwart, Tanobe Michihiro, Nick Kolick and Robert Hughes

The Sword was His Life: A Hommage to Paul L. Davidson

Words from Christine Horwart, Tanobe Michihiro, Nick Kolick and Robert Hughes 

The Sword was His Life: A Hommage to Paul L. Davidson:
A collection of memories from those who knew him

“In his will, Paul gave me a sword by Awataguchi Kuniyasu. I was genuinely surprised by this award, and I have to think that it was made to encourage me to consider the deep roots and characteristics of categories of my collecting interest…”

Awataguchi Kuniyasu, A Memento

The designation ranking of Tokubetsu Juyo, or Exceptionally Important Sword, is the highest ranking a sword outside of Japan can receive. Paul Davidson discovered four such blades, including the ‘Mikazuki Kanemitsu’.

Three Swords Designated as Tokubetsu Juyo

Exceptionally Important Swords: Three Swords Designated as Tokubetsu Juyo

Highlights from the Paul L. Davidson Collection 

Crescent Moon, The Mikazuki Kanemitsu 

Crescent Moon, The Mikazuki Kanemitsu from the Paul L. Davidson Collection

New York

Consultant, Japanese Works of Art

Mark Hinton

Jon Adjetey

Pre-Sale Coordinator | Chinese Works of Art

Liddy Newnam

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Sotheby’s is proud to present&nbsp;Important Japanese Swords from the Paul L. Davidson Collection&nbsp;to be offered in New York 13th&nbsp;– 25th March 2025. The collection comprises fine Japanese swords with examples registered as&nbsp;Tokubetsu Juyo&nbsp;[Exceptionally Important Sword], including an impressive&nbsp;katana&nbsp;attributed to the Yoshioka Ichimonji school, a&nbsp;tanto&nbsp;by Rai Kunitoshi and an early&nbsp;tachi&nbsp;blade attributed to Niji Kunitoshi. Armour and accoutrements of the samurai showcase the excellent craftmanship and quality associated with the warrior class from the Kamakura period through to the centuries of peace established by the Tokugawa shogunate until the late nineteenth century.

Important Japanese Swords and Armour from the Paul L. Davidson Collection