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Matchlock gun with lion dog and peony design
(Shishi botan zu teppō 獅子牡丹図鉄砲)
Momoyama period 1568-(1600-1615)
Medium
metal, wood, brass, silver
Measurements
11.8 × 5.4 × 133.0 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1927
Gallery location
Not on display
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Accession Number
2895-D3
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
By the second half of the sixteenth century arquebus with little or no decoration were produced in great numbers for use by ordinary soldiers. However, due to the exquisite inlayed, engraved and applied decoration found on these three magnificent matchlock guns, it is evident they were not only produced as armaments for the battlefield, but also as flamboyant items for high-ranking samurai. On this gun we see a delicate design of dancing lion dogs and peony flowers produced with the same exquisite craftsmanship as would be found on a refined lacquer writing box.