There are 2 other images of this object. This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions), and as such we offer a high-resolution image of it. See our image rights statement.

 

See more objects with the color darkslategrey dimgrey rosybrown rosybrown darkslategrey or see all the colors for this object.

Object Timeline

1982

  • We acquired this object.

1999

2006

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Sword Hilt with Fishing Boats and Water Birds Matchsafe

This is a Matchsafe. It is dated late 19th century and we acquired it in 1982. Its medium is shakudo, gold. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This object was donated by Carol B. Brener and Stephen W. Brener. It is credited Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.

Its dimensions are

5.2 x 2.6 x 2 cm (2 1/16 x 1 x 13/16 in. )

It has the following markings

Unidentified Japanese stamp in gold on side of box; unidentifed Japanese characters incised in box bottom, adjacent to striker.

Cite this object as

Sword Hilt with Fishing Boats and Water Birds Matchsafe; Japan; shakudo, gold; 5.2 x 2.6 x 2 cm (2 1/16 x 1 x 13/16 in. ); Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener; 1982-23-243

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18534133/ |title=Sword Hilt with Fishing Boats and Water Birds Matchsafe |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=14 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>