MITSUHIDE: A RARE AND MASSIVE BRONZE AND BAMBOO KENKA KISERU (FIGHTING PIPE)
By Mitsuhide, signed Mitsuhide to
Japan, c. 1870

The bronze mouthpiece is neatly incised with Daruma, with characteristic cowl and scowl, holding a hossu (Buddhist flywhisk), while the bronze bowl alludes to his meditation hut and is further carved with paulownia leaves. The two bronze fittings are connected by a large segment of bamboo.

LENGTH 48.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.
Provenance: From a private collection in Florida, USA.

Kenka kiseru or fighting pipes were carried by Samurai as defensive weapons in more gentile settings where weapons were prohibited, such as the Yoshiwara or pleasure district.

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