Katana Makura

[Dave R]

This is going to seem an odd request...perhaps.

I am looking for information on when Katana Makura (sword cushions) first appeared? So far the earliest actual example I have found was dated to the Meiji period, but I wonder if they existed before that. I imagine that they were fairly ephemeral being no more than small cushions, and probably discarded when soiled, so I am hoping for evidence in the form of illustrations in contemporary prints, or mentions in literature.

Information on how they were made, now and in the past is also very welcome. The Meiji period one I saw for sale was described as made from reused kimono silk and stuffed with sawdust.

Dave