Knife

Item number N2.1343 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Knife (a) with sheath (b) in which a small blade (c) is inserted. Knife has a curved blade etched (?) on one side with series of irregular, dark, patch-like shapes. The blade passes through a silver-coloured steel (?) sheath, with the tang (two-holed) inserted into the wooden handle, passing through a gold lacquered wooden guard. Each side of the handle is inlaid with an ivory plaque carved with a dragon figure; lotus carved ivory at end . Sheath (b) of wood with gold lacquer bamboo leaf design, inlaid with insects and plants of ivory, mother-of-pearl, and stones, with ivory end; wood badly split, inlays crudely repaired. Small blade, curved, is missing handle; stained red.

History Of Use

This gardener's knife, probably from no earlier than the late 19th century, made in the style of an older sword. Gardening knives could be made in the style of swords at the time because of the destruction of the feudal system with its attendant privileges (1871). In 1877 the former samurai class was forbidden to wear swords, having lost their monopoly over military power when universal conscription was instituted.