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
Date
Meiji period
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 62 mm x 43 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; steel; mother of pearl; ivory
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
In storage
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk