Of Steeply conical form with a bulbous top. This jingasa is constructed of hide and cloth, shaped in a mold, lacquered in reddish brown lacquer, with a gilt rising sun mon on the rounded apex.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather. Kasa shares its etymology with the Japanese word for "umbrella" (which is also pronounced "kasa", but written... Click for details

A circular form rising to a shallow point at the center, this jingasa is made of hide and cloth shaped in a mold, then finally black lacquered. It is decorated in front with a gold lacquered mon of an enzo which represents eternity. Mounted on a custom iron stand.

Edo Period 19th Century

Size: 18.5" diameter x 4" H (29.5" 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. Mounted on custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th... Click for details

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. Mounted on custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th... Click for details

Small bronze flared muzzle cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships. For 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. Mounted on custom iron... Click for details

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)

Unusual original Japanese flint lighter netsuke. Constructed of iron and brass, this piece would have been used to create a steady fame in less then perfect conditions. The striker would create contact friction and create a spark igniting the fuel source. Firearms at this time required a flame in order to ignite the fuse. Original russet patina with all parts still intact.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 2" L x 1" W x 1.5" H

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)

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)

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)