War Fan (Gunbai) with Concealed Spear Blade

18th century

Not on view

Military commanders used a type of fixed fan, called a war fan (gunbai), to signal soldiers on the battlefield. The silver mounts of this example are engraved with flowers against a stippled background, and the lower section of the shaft, which is detachable, is mounted with a concealed steel blade—an unusual feature that would have appealed to Western collectors.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: War Fan (Gunbai) with Concealed Spear Blade
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Wood, silver, steel, lacquer, silk
Dimensions: War fan (a): H. including blade 24 1/2 in. (62.2 cm); H. excluding blade 18 in. (45.7 cm); W. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 5.2 oz. (601 g); blade (b): H. 17 1/4 in. (43.8 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 0.3 oz. (462.1 g); tassel: Wt. 1.5 oz. (42.5 g)
Classification: Miscellaneous
Credit Line: Gift of Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr., 2018
Object Number: 2018.833.27a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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