Symbolic doctor's sword

Made:
1801-1900 in Japan
Symbolic wooden doctors sword in form of scabbard and handle Symbolic wooden doctors sword in form of scabbard and handle Symbolic wooden doctors sword in form of scabbard and handle

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Symbolic wooden doctors sword in form of scabbard and handle
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Symbolic wooden doctors sword in form of scabbard and handle
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Symbolic wooden doctors sword in form of scabbard and handle
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Symbolic wooden doctors sword in form of scabbard and handle, decorated with carved dragon, red cord for suspension, Japanese, 1801-1900

‘Bokuto’ were imitation wooden swords. They were worn in Japan by doctors and merchants during the 1700s and 1800s. The swords are imitation because, at this time, only Samurai warriors could carry real swords. A bokuto was often worn at night. It gave the impression of a real sword to warn off potential attackers. This sword is made of wood and decorated with a carved dragon.

Details

Category:
Asian Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A64323
Materials:
complete, wood (unidentified) and silk
Measurements:
overall: 20 cm x 490 mm x 40 mm, .21kg
type:
ceremonial sword