Sheath

Scabbard

29-23-18B

From: Japan

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Native Name Tanto
Object Number 29-23-18B
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Japanese
Provenience Japan
Date Made 1870's - 1929
Section Asian
Materials Steel | Wood | Ivory
Technique Carved
Iconography Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove | Dragon
Description

Scabbard or sheath for a short sword, or tanto. Dragon on the small ring-shaped guard at the base of the handle. This extravagantly carved case and handle indicate that this tanto was probably carried by a merchant rather than a samurai. The carving depicts a version of an old Chinese story, the seven sages of the bamboo grove.

Length 25.5 cm
Credit Line Bequest of Henry C. Yarrow, 1929

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