Incredible belt buckle with chased Malay floral motifs on a niello ground. Three layers of ogival form with jagged edges and pointed sides. Several bands of geometric designs, line work and floral motifs ornament this piece. The centre is of plain silver with a central niello dot.The back has a looped carrier which allows a belt to pass through.

Niello belt buckles were worn with textile belts on ceremonial occasions. The size, material and intricacy of the buckle’s design signalled... Click for details

Antique Indian gold damascene iron shield. Original remnants of the hand grip materials, which consist of leather and cushion cut velvet remaining on the inside of the shield. Four protruded mounts are gold damascened with fine floral detailing.

Mogul 18th Century, India

Size: 13" Diameter x 2" H

Antique Japanese Yumi set of six Hawk feather and arrow reed. These were used to shoot long distances before and after the introduction of firearms. Mounted on a custom stand for a stunning presentation.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 36.5" L each (on display 16.5" W x 4" D x 37.75" H)

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... Click for details

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. This example has a bronze barrel of circular... Click for details

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