A JAPANESE LACQUER AND PAPER SAIHAI

A JAPANESE LACQUER AND PAPER SAIHAI

MEIJI PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY

The military baton with a black lacquer handle embellished with gold kirikane decoration, the mounts in shibuichi and silver and etched with scrolling tendrils, the tassels made of wasi strips (mulberry paper), 31cm.

Saihai were military batons denoting rank which were traditionally carried by samurai commanders in battle.