War Fan (Gunbai) with Concealed Spear Blade

Japanese

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.

War Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear Blade, Wood, silver, steel, lacquer, silk, Japanese

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War Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear Blade, Wood, silver, steel, lacquer, silk, Japanese
War Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear Blade, Wood, silver, steel, lacquer, silk, Japanese

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