Antique Japanese light weight Jingasa (Samurai hat) made with a basketweave bamboo and paper coated in black and red lacquer. The front of the hat has the gilt paulownia leaf mon (family crest) with the top decorated with a three prong yari forming a trident.

Edo age (circa 1830's)

Size: 15.5" W x 3.5"

The mask is of dark brown russet lacquer finish and the interior is smoothed lacquered red. The high jaw his two protrusion hooks for strapping the cords, underneath the chin is a vent hole. The mask is fitted with yodare kare of three row of false scale lace and blue silk.

19th Century Edo Period

Size: 6.75" L x 3" W x 8.5" H (12.5" H on stand)

A functionary yumi rattan bow string holder is an essential munition of an archer. Material is wooven rattan in spool shape used to wrap sinew string, strapped with leather and horn. The horn contains powdered rosin used as dry lubrication. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

19th Century

Size: 9" L x 4.5" W x 1.5" D (12.5" H on stand)

The bronze cast cannon is decorated in low relief of a coiled dragon. The shape handle stock and body represent a carp. The signaling cannons shows a smooth casting which indicates it was lost cast from wax. Fine detailing shows high level of craftsmanship. Mounted on custom Bronze stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 4" L x 1.25" W x 1.5" H (4.5" H on stand)

This bronze cast cannon is decorated in low relief of a coiled dragon. The fish like handle stock and representing a carp is in homage to the original purpose of such cannon. These examples where used to shoot flaming signals from ships at sea. Mounted on custom Bronze stand. Pitting finish shows indication of sand casting. Fine detail shows high level craftsmanship.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 4" L x 1.25" W x 1.5" H (4.5" H on stand)

A powder flask of a natural painted turtle and fitted boxwood nozzle and stopper cover. The skeletal shell of the turtle is smooth with a warm tone patina. The flask is attached by a silk chord to a piece of circular boxwood toggle that could be slipped into the belt. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Edo Period 19th Century

Size: 3.25" L x 1" W x 5.25" H (10.5" H tip of bottle to end of string) (7" H on stand)

The netsuke is made in the shape of a matchlock pistol. It is composed of different material such as wood, brass, and iron. Handmade during the Meiji period for the European market. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 5" L x 1.5" W x 1.5" H
(4.25" H on stand)

The netsuke is made in the shape of a matchlock pistol. It is composed of different material such as wood, brass, and iron. Constructed during the Meiji period for export to the European market. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 3.75" L x 1" W x 1.5" H
(4.75" H on stand)

Small bronze cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships, launching fireworks at festivals, and for signaling purposes. The example of cast bronze with a bore that is described as at the breach and the bore is reduced to a half round section to form a chamber for the powder mount for use. The gun would be imbedded into a wooded block such as the lower half of the barrel and the entire breach end is covered...

Small bronze cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships, launching fireworks at festivals, and for signaling purposes. The example of cast bronze with a bore that is described as at the breach and the bore is reduced to a half round section to form a chamber for the powder mount for use. The gun would be imbedded into a wooded block such as the lower half of the barrel and the entire breach end is covered...

Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth...

The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”...

This superb helmet bowl is comprised of 64 iron plates that are slightly embossed between the suji, double front plates, and a washer underneath the top front riveted inside. The bowl has been given a very dark russet finish and fitted with a simple iron visor. The meadate is a forged iron hornet with gilt brass wings. The shikkoro of five - lames of false scale laced in blue silk and brown russet lacquer...

A dark blue hemp fabric forms the base of these kote sleeve guards. The upper area is covered in iron chain mail with pair of double gourd plates, crest mon, gilt iron plates, throughout the kote. The shoulder edge has three hinge plates to fashion to the Do armor. Unusually mounted on a custom black iron stand.

Edo Period 18th Century

Size: 27.25" L x 12.5" H (17.5" H on stand)

The tatami armor was used by foot soldiers, archers, and spearmen. Its a lightweight armor which allowed the warriors to be more swift and fluid with their movements. It is also an economical munition armor as a alternative to the traditional lace scale construction. Going to battle was costly and this gave the clan army full protection from all levels of warfare.
The armors head gear covering has two flaps with a back slit...

The Japanese tantutu pistol has a octagonal russet iron barrel, with flat sighting plains on top and bore of 3/8". A stock dai of Keyaki wood and brass plate jiita of the arquebus's firing mechanism. Mounted for display on a custom museum iron mount.

Exhibition at the 2018 San Francisco Tribal Art & Textile Show

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8"L x 1.5" (5.25" H on stand)

Edo period Japanese lacquered leather covered munitions box for gun powder. The leather hinged top has a gilt edge, on center is a copper metal clasp closure, and an iron chain handle. Double stamped in red lacquer with the Omodaka mon, which belongs to the Mizuno family clan. The box is in good condition.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8.75" x 2.75" x 4.5" H

The mask is of dark brownish lacquer finish and the interior is black lacquer. The high jaw has two protruding hooks for strapping the cords, and underneath the chin is a vent hole. The Saru Bo is fitted with yodare kare covered in lacquered black leather with three lames plates and blue silk lacing.
Mounted on metal display stand.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 7.5" x 3.5" x 8.25" (10.75" on stand)