Late Edo/early Meiji period, 19th century
Coloured lacquers with metal fittings
Length: 39 cm
Throughout the Edo period the carrying of swords was first restricted to the samurai class and later extended to the rising merchant class, albeit only for the carrying of a short sword or dagger. After 1876 it was banned altogether. This piece clearly tested the convention, appearing to be a 16 dagger, tanto, held in a lacquer scabbard in the popular shape of a lobster tail. In reality it is a writing set. Removing the letter-opener blade, which locks the whole into shape, enables the piece to be swung open to reveal the brush, and ink container.