Japanese - Knife in Fan-Shaped Case, 19th century

Japanese

Knife in Fan-Shaped Case, 19th century

Lacquered wood with metal blade , 30.2 cm (11 7/8 in.)

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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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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.