Tonkotsu Posted October 17, 2020 Report Posted October 17, 2020 Here is a Japanese ‘Bokuto’ which are imitation swords made of wood. 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 is 13 ¾” (34.3cm) long. 1 Quote
vajo Posted October 17, 2020 Report Posted October 17, 2020 Hmm that looks strange. What kind of doctor was this 😁 (sorry for the kidding) 1 2 Quote
Fuuten Posted October 22, 2020 Report Posted October 22, 2020 I'm not an expert but just to add I read about 'replacement' pieces made of wood such as shown above for use during the tea ceremony where being armed was not permitted. I've seen a few come around and they were shaped imitating tanto koshirae. 1 Quote
PietroParis Posted October 22, 2020 Report Posted October 22, 2020 This bokuto is a bit different... 3 1 Quote
Tonkotsu Posted October 22, 2020 Author Report Posted October 22, 2020 Here is another, carved dragon 18" long. Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 22, 2020 Report Posted October 22, 2020 Those for the tea ceremony, Axel, where a real blade would not be permitted, were called 茶刀 Chatō I believe. As to bean pods, Barry, I have a giant bean pod here from a Nata-mamé plant, nata being a type of cleaver. Definite similarity as you say, and likely deliberate. Dry, so slightly shrunken. Quote
Brian Posted October 23, 2020 Report Posted October 23, 2020 Pietro....I wonder if they really believe that's a mushroom? 😁 1 Quote
PietroParis Posted October 23, 2020 Report Posted October 23, 2020 They are just being diplomatic. As someone commented in a different forum, it probably sold for a “stiff” price... 2 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted October 23, 2020 Report Posted October 23, 2020 The key is in the inverted commas. 😊 Quote
kissakai Posted October 23, 2020 Report Posted October 23, 2020 Just the fitting for the 'stiff' one 3 2 Quote
Michaelr Posted October 24, 2020 Report Posted October 24, 2020 Here is a picture of a few of mine. I find them very interesting, some very detailed, not usually inexpensive, and at least for me hard to find for sale. Hope you enjoy them and feel free to comment. If anyone would like a better picture of any individual piece please let me know. Thank you for looking. MikeR 4 1 1 Quote
Brian Posted October 24, 2020 Report Posted October 24, 2020 Michael, would love to see a few more pics of the top 3. Are they solid one piece? Quote
b.hennick Posted October 24, 2020 Report Posted October 24, 2020 I want to share my bokuto. 2 1 Quote
Tonkotsu Posted October 24, 2020 Author Report Posted October 24, 2020 Thank you for sharing some beautiful Bokuto and a bean pod. Dick 1 Quote
kissakai Posted October 24, 2020 Report Posted October 24, 2020 They are nice images - thanks It's something I will have to look out for Quote
Michaelr Posted October 25, 2020 Report Posted October 25, 2020 Ok Brian here are some more pictures of the top 3. Yes they are all one piece 2 Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted October 26, 2020 Report Posted October 26, 2020 Very interesting! I've used bokken in martial arts for more than 30 years,& have never run across anything like these. Thanks! Quote
Lukas Posted July 30, 2024 Report Posted July 30, 2024 Hi there Are they still available? I'm looking for antique bokutos Any help would be greatly appreciated Best regards Lukas Quote
Michaelr Posted July 31, 2024 Report Posted July 31, 2024 Lucas, I still have all of the ones that I posted pictures of but they are not for sale. It has been many years since I have seen one for sale. Just not something you see every day. Good luck in your search MikeR 1 Quote
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