sword (weapons: edged); sword sheath (sheath (weapons: accessories))

Short sword, in a highly decorated carved sheath and mother of pearl dragons. May be a naginata blade (i.e. from a halberd) which has been remounted or may be naginata-naoshi. Blade probably late 18th or early 19th century. Not signed. Mounting post 1876. Sheath and scabbard probably made for sale to westerners in the form of a bokuto, the type of imitation sword in scabbard carried by a doctor. Sometimes they contained medicine, sometimes used as a club. Carving includes dragons darting through waves with ivory and mother-of pearl inlay. Length 26 1/2".

fighting

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
nn18572
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 62 mm x 43 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; steel; mother of pearl; ivory
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
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Collection Information

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