Japanese
Knife in Fan-Shaped Case, 19th century
Lacquered wood with metal blade , 30.2 cm (11 7/8 in.)
This oblong black lacquer case has a gold owl and bird as decoration on one side and three birds on the other. On the bottom is circular hole. The side looks like an accordian meant to mimic a paper fan. However, when opened, the silver metal blade of a knife is revealed.
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Object details
Accession number
M11n14.a-b
Primary Creator
Japanese
Full title
Knife in Fan-Shaped Case
Creation Date
19th century
Provenance
Entered Isabella Stewart Gardner's collection at an unknown date.
Dimensions
30.2 cm (11 7/8 in.)
Display Media
Lacquered wood with metal blade
Web Commentary
This style of dagger, traditionally known as a tanto dagger in Japanese culture, originated and evolved throughout Japan’s feudal period. It was worn primarily by men and women of the Samurai social class. Concealing the tanto dagger in a fan-shaped case first appeared in the early to mid-19th century. Folding fans were customary items in Japanese gatherings and provided an unassuming method of concealment.Isabella kept this one in her desk in the Macknight Room.
Permanent Gallery Location
Macknight Room
Bibliography
Ellen Dennis. "A Note on the Fans in the Collection." Fenway Court (1984), p. 49. (as Japanese)Rights and reproductions
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Macknight Room
Commentary
This style of dagger, traditionally known as a tanto dagger in Japanese culture, originated and evolved throughout Japan’s feudal period. It was worn primarily by men and women of the Samurai social class. Concealing the tanto dagger in a fan-shaped case first appeared in the early to mid-19th century. Folding fans were customary items in Japanese gatherings and provided an unassuming method of concealment.Isabella kept this one in her desk in the Macknight Room.