A JAPANESE LACQUER PEPPER SPRAY

A JAPANESE LACQUER PEPPER SPRAY, METSUBUSHI

MEIJI PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY

Of typical form, the top decorated with a writhing dragon in gilt encircling four lines of calligraphy, the metal mouthpiece chiselled with another dragon amongst scrolling clouds, the underside signed in a rectangular reserve, together with a chain, hook and tamper, approx 8.5cm. (2)

Metsubushi were weapons designed to blow toxic powder, ground glass or pepper at close range to blind or confuse an opponent.