Dagger and Scabbard
1558-1592 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This late 16th-century dagger (‘tanto’) was made by a smith named Kanefusa in Mino province (modern-day Gifu Prefecture). The scabbard and mounts were all made in the early to mid 19th century and are by a metalworker known as Masayuki of Inaba.
The scabbard is of beautifully mottled red and black lacquer with matching silver fittings that are all themed around the two gods Fujin and Raijin, respectively the gods of wind and thunder. The wind god is usually depicted holding a large bag over his shoulder, from which he releases wind. He is generally a green demon with two horns, a grimacing mouth and claw-like feet and hands. The thunder god is generally shown as a red horned demon with a monkey-like mouth and clawed feet and hands. He is frequently surrounded by a ring of drums, and often carries a small hammer to beat them, thereby creating thunder. The theme of wind and thunder is continued in the large bands of silver clouds that appear on the scabbard.
The scabbard is of beautifully mottled red and black lacquer with matching silver fittings that are all themed around the two gods Fujin and Raijin, respectively the gods of wind and thunder. The wind god is usually depicted holding a large bag over his shoulder, from which he releases wind. He is generally a green demon with two horns, a grimacing mouth and claw-like feet and hands. The thunder god is generally shown as a red horned demon with a monkey-like mouth and clawed feet and hands. He is frequently surrounded by a ring of drums, and often carries a small hammer to beat them, thereby creating thunder. The theme of wind and thunder is continued in the large bands of silver clouds that appear on the scabbard.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 4 parts.
|
| Brief description | Met, Japan, swords and daggers Met, Japan, swords and daggers Met, Japan, swords and daggers Met, Japan, swords and daggers |
| Physical description | Japanese dagger (tanto) signed Kanefusa, late 16th century; in mid-nineteenth century mounts |
| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'Kanefusa saku' (Signature; Japanese; outer face (omote) of blade)
|
| Gallery label | Dagger (tantō)
Blade 1500–1600; scabbard and fittings 1800–50
Daggers were intended for use in close combat and for personal protection. During the Edo period (1615–1868), when wearing swords indoors was not allowed, the dagger was the one weapon that older samurai and those of high rank could carry at all times. As in this example, daggers often had richly decorated scabbards and lavish metal fittings by well-known makers.
Steel blade; wood scabbard with lacquer and mother-of-pearl; wood hilt bound with rayskin and silk; silver fittings; iron fittings with gold inlay
A.C.C. Jahn Bequest
Museum no. M.20-1947 |
| Summary | This late 16th-century dagger (‘tanto’) was made by a smith named Kanefusa in Mino province (modern-day Gifu Prefecture). The scabbard and mounts were all made in the early to mid 19th century and are by a metalworker known as Masayuki of Inaba. The scabbard is of beautifully mottled red and black lacquer with matching silver fittings that are all themed around the two gods Fujin and Raijin, respectively the gods of wind and thunder. The wind god is usually depicted holding a large bag over his shoulder, from which he releases wind. He is generally a green demon with two horns, a grimacing mouth and claw-like feet and hands. The thunder god is generally shown as a red horned demon with a monkey-like mouth and clawed feet and hands. He is frequently surrounded by a ring of drums, and often carries a small hammer to beat them, thereby creating thunder. The theme of wind and thunder is continued in the large bands of silver clouds that appear on the scabbard. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.20:1 to 4-1947 |
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| Record created | February 12, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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