A FINE WOOD BOKUTO (DOCTOR’S SWORD) OF A WATER DRAGON Japan, 19th century Boldly carved, the slender, baku-snouted water dragon tucking its feet into its scaly underbelly, its long snout curling upwards, and flames issuing from its sides. A single aperture through its front legs for suspension. The wood has a dark, naturally grown patina. LENGTH 37.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use. Museum comparison: Compare a related wood bokuto in the form of a baku, signed Naito Toyomasa, in the British Museum, accession number 1985,1107.1.

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