Auction introduction: Sotheby’s is proud to present Important Japanese Swords from the Paul L. Davidson Collection to be offered in New York 13th – 25th March 2025. The collection comprises fine Japanese swords with examples registered as Tokubetsu Juyo [Exceptionally Important Sword], including an impressive katana attributed to the Yoshioka Ichimonji school, a tanto by Rai Kunitoshi and an early tachi 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.