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1929.17.3.6

Flat copper alloy pin, with handle with wave design, tiny dots inlaid in gold. Slots into a groove on sheath [.3]. [El.B 26/4/2007]

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1929.17.3.6

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Collection type
Object
Description
Flat copper alloy pin, with handle with wave design, tiny dots inlaid in gold. Slots into a groove on sheath [.3]. [El.B 26/4/2007]
Geographical reference
Japan
Asia > Eastern Asia > Japan
Cultural groups
Japanese
Person
Field collector Robert Walter Campbell Shelford
PRM source Audrey Shelford
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1929
Date collected
By 1929
Acquisition information
Donated: 1929
Materials and processes
Material Copper Alloy Metal, Material Gold Metal, Process Forged (Metal), Process Incised, Process Inlaid
Dimensions
Length: max 212 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1929.17.3.6
Research and responses

The purpose of the kogai is not clearly determined. Suggested uses include hairpin, chopsticks or tweezers (when divided in two). It also serves to lock the sword in the scabbard. [El.B 26/4/2007]

[NB: The former is the most widely accepted of these three interpretations - generally seen as intended for dressing and arranging the hair before donning, and after removing, the helmet. [12/7/07 AM]

Related Documents File - Detailed information from Colin Langton, 2001. Type is "Wakizashi, probably a slightly shortened Chisa/Uchi Gatana blade, Koshirae en suite to sword 7B". [CF 7/1/2002]

The following notes are drawn from research compiled by Andy Mills as part of the DCF Cutting Edge Project 2006-2007. This is a daisho or matching pair of swords, as worn exclusively by warriors of the samurai class, and which became the primary insignia of that class among men. The daisho could take two forms – a military form, or a civilian form: In the civilian form, with normal dress, a man would wear a katana and wakizashi (shortsword). The katana was carried blade upwards through the sash-belt, over the left hip-bone. The wakizashi was carried through the same belt, blade upwards, across the belly, with the hilt to the right. The example here is a pair of swords for civilian wear – katana and wakizashi. In the military form, with armour, swords were worn secured to the body through sword-belts and metal fittings on the blades themselves. [SM 17/06/2008]

Search terms: Weapon, Tool, Toilet, Pin

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