**Originally Listed At $150**

East Asia, Japan, late Edo to early Meiji period, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. A forged-iron truncheon known as a jitte (also jutte, literally "ten hands") with a segmented wooden handle covered in black lacquer. The thick, baton-shaped body has a sturdy form that features a laterally projecting arm which is used as a hook for catching an opponent's weapon mid-swing. In feudal Japan, jitte were carried in place of swords when entering the palace of the Shogun. In later times, the jitte was wielded by palace guards and became the symbol of the position. Size: 15.4" L x 2.1" W (39.1 cm x 5.3 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in January 2007; ex-private Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan collection

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#151952

Minor nicks and abrasions to handle and jitte body, with fading to original black lacquer, slight bending to iron suspension ring on end of handle, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina on jitte body and handle.