(SOLD) Regularly, articles that left the studio of the artisan, that subsequently find their way to enthusiasts today cause one to ponder.
Those thoughts are rarely; what is this item?
At first glance one might correctly categorise this piece of apparatus as a wood container for Kiseru; one would be correct, but would one be completely correct?
The shape is like that of a natamame (sword-bean).
Another object that is predominantly sword-like in shape or form is the bokuto, Chato (tea sword) or Gyotto (faux sword in the form of marine-life).
These faux swords range in size from approximately 30cm to nearly 100cm which mimics the daisho (Katana & Wakizashi) sizes. Another edged weapon that was part of the samurai arsenal, carried on their person, was the tanto (dagger) at approximately 20-28cm. At 23cm, ours is a miniature tanto-like Chato.
I say Chato, as the vast majority of tea-swords rely on the appearance of a sword, rather than being abled in defence. This is one of the distinguishing features separating Chato from Bokuto, although Chato also have a more organic-feel about them, again like our miniature variety.
We know for sure that this little work, served its first owner as a kiseruzutsu, although on the belt it also served its wearer in the feel of a sword-like object adorning their belt, also impressing this sense to any viewer.
So is this a dual use kiseruzutsu-chato? If so, it is the first instance that I have ever seen.
In the largest collection known to me, a grouping that numbers over 300 specimens, the dual use faux-sword represents less than 10 percent of the total. Break it down further, the majority of these dual-use specimens are yatate (brush & ink containers) the remainder are vessels for storing personal effects such as important documents or coins.
A kiseruzutsu (pipe container) that serves a dual purpose as a chato (with its pronounced arc indicating it as such) is in the super-rare category of this small but immensely rewarding field of art.
The hinged apparatus works in conjunction with the ojime (bead) closing the device shut, which results in the sword-like shape. This method of hinging other bokuto is also demonstrated in the above mentioned collection.
The decoration on the surface is amaryo (rain-dragons) carved in high relief, the wood then lacquered a rich burgundy.
Signed: 丞刀 Tasuke To.
Including a fine understated kiseru (pipe) of silver and shibuichi, with bamboo rao (stem).
