#BC35  Rosewood Bokuto or Doctors Sword -  length is 17 1/2 inches. Probably first half of the 19th century. Japanese.While I understand a doctor could wear a sword these bokuto never had a blade inside. They range in quality just as wakizashi did. Some very elaborate and others rather plain. This one shows excellent workmanship in its construction and the selection of metal pieces. The body is made up of a heavy dark hardwood looking like the Chinese Hung Mu. The end caps or kashira and kojiri are made of ivory. The band acting as a fuchi and koiguchi is in shibuichi. The kurikata is of iron with silver nunome that is tarnished with age. The menuki are the poled banners that were at the head of a parade of marchers in a daimyos ' procession. They are well made ornaments of gold, silver and shakudo. The saya ornament is a reed musical instrument also of excellent workmanship.

Price: $1,200