Japanese Works of Art - 7th December 2020
Lot 309
A JAPANESE LACQUER PEPPER SPRAY
Estimate £400 - £600 | Hammer £400
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Description
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.