East Asia, Japan, Meiji period, ca. 1868 to 1912 CE. An interesting example of a brass whip weapon known as a kusari-fundo with lengths of chain (kusari) that are traditionally linked to weights or weighted objects (fundo) on each end. This example bears nine interior bars linked with several brass chain rings, a slightly longer handle on one end, and a cone-tipped weight on the other. Kusari-fundo were traditionally used as a concealed weapon for self-defense purposes and for occasions where carrying a sword was impractical or outright forbidden. Various shapes and sizes of weighted end components could be used on the ends, so these weapons were unique in their presentation. Other popular names for the kusari-fundo were 'manrikigusari' (literally "ten-thousand power chain") or simply 'manriki.' Size: 52.3" L x 1.1" W (132.8 cm x 2.8 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in June 2006; ex-Lu Yan collection, California, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#151954

Minor abrasions to some body rods and chain links, with encrustations within some ring holes, and very slight bending to some chain links, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout. All rods and chain links still articulate.