RARE & GLAMOUR ART HUB
Uncovering the Essence of Art & Immersing You With our Diverse and Inspiring Art Collections
Uncovering the Essence of Art & Immersing You With our Diverse and Inspiring Art Collections
Uncover the power and craftsmanship of ancient weapons ON RARE & GLAMOUR. From Greek hoplites to Japanese samurai swords, our collection showcases the mastery of weapon-making throughout history. Each piece carries a rich legacy, blending artistry with functionality. Explore the world of ancient weapons and embrace their historical significance.
This pair of large model field cannons is a true testament to the craftsmanship and history of early European bronze cannons. Each cannon features a solid bronze barrel measuring 28" in length with a 35mm bore. The barrels are adorned with dolphin-shaped lifting handles, a raised coat of arms on the breech, and a raised ribbon bearing the date "1671". The cannons also showcase acorn-shaped cascabels, adding a touch of elegance to their design. The original hand-crafted wood field carriages feature 10-spoke wooden wheels banded with bronze strips and fastened with bronze-head iron nails. These cannons are mounted on wood and steel axles, ensuring stability and durability. The bronze carriage fittings further enhance the aesthetic appeal of these cannons, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement. While the date "1671" is cast into the barrels, it is important to note that the actual age of these cannons may differ from the date indicated. With an overall length of 41" and a height of 14 ½", each cannon weighs approximately 26 pounds. This pair of model cannons would make a great addition to a den or man cave, serving as a striking and conversation-starting decorative piece. Owning these cannons allows one to appreciate the artistry and history of early European bronze cannons. They are not only visually appealing but also serve as a tangible connection to the past, representing a time when cannons played a significant role in warfare and defense.
This composite Japanese armor, dating from the 17th to the 19th century, is a fascinating piece that showcases the evolution of armor design and craftsmanship during this period. The armor consists of several distinct components, each with its own unique characteristics. The mempo, or face guard, is an early example from around 1600, although it is missing the nose piece. The four neck plates are present but detached, adding to the historical intrigue of the piece. The kabuto, or helmet, is from around 1800 and features five neck plates. It is adorned with gold-painted horns, adding a touch of visual flair and symbolism. The do, or cuirass, is also from around 1800 and is composed of seven plates in the front and eight plates in the back. The center breast of the do displays a painted mon, possibly added at a later date. Both the breast and back of the cuirass are signed in red, further adding to the historical significance of the armor. The armor also includes five kusazuri, or tassets, each consisting of four plates. However, the center front kusazuri is lacking. The original silk lacing, although worn and with some losses, adds to the authenticity and character of the piece. The original lacquer, while showing signs of wear with missing chips and crackling, still retains its unique charm. Owning this composite Japanese armor provides a glimpse into the rich history and craftsmanship of Japanese armor-making. It represents a fusion of styles and periods, showcasing the evolution of armor design over time. This armor is not only a visually striking and unique decorative piece but also a tangible connection to the warriors of the past and their dedication to protection and honor.
Featuring high-quality 17th C blade in good polish with 28 1/4″ cutting edge, suguha hamon (straight temper line) with ko-nie (small visible martensite crystals); the nakago (tang) signed “Hizen no Kuni Fujiwara Tadahiro”. Nakago with two holes, likely originally being mounted as a tachi with two mekugi (mounting pegs), as the mei is between the two holes, which are set far apart. Koshirae (mounts) include large signed non-ferrous tsuba (guard) with relief decoration, silver habaki (metal collar between blade and guard), dark copper fuchi (grip collar) with engraved floral pattern and matching kashira (pommel).
Traditional same (sharkskin grip wrap) mounted with a pair of matching shakudo menuki with gold highlights and wrapped with black ito (silk braid, with minor defects). Wood saya (scabbard), lacking kurikata (knob for silk cord), lacquered in black with dark brown swirls (defects) and koiguchi (scabbard throat) and kojiri (scabbard drag) matching the fuchi and kashira. Overall length 39 3/8″, not including scabbard. Very high-quality early blade with matching quality mounts.
Founder of the Hizen School, Tadayoshi, (1572-1632), was the first of many generations continuing into the 20th century. In 1596 he was sent to Kyoto to study for three years under the great master of the Shinto (New Swords) movement, Umetada Myoju.
When he returned to Saga he was retained to make swords for the Nabeshima Clan. In 1624 he received the title Musashi daijo and was re-named Tadahiro. His mei (signature) varied during his career and the mei on this sword is one used late in his life.
Others studied under him and we cannot be certain that this is the work of the first generation Tadayoshi/Tadahiro, but it is of his style, rich in nie. If papered with definitive attribution to first generation Tadayoshi, this sword would be worth several times this price and is worth additional research. Regardless, it is a very fine quality early sword blade.
