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Matchlock gun with irises, sparrow and butterfly design
(Shōbu chō suzume zu teppō 菖蒲蝶雀図鉄砲)
Momoyama period 1568-(1600-1615)
Medium
metal, wood, brass, silver
Measurements
10.7 × 6.4 × 113.8 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
2890-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 irises among flowing water, with flying sparrows and butterflies produced with the same exquisite craftsmanship as would be found on a refined lacquer writing box.