Yatate type?

[John C]

Hello:

For anyone who collects yatate or other type of sagemono, have you seen this large style before? I have it pictured with a "normal" size yatate. Could this be an over-sized tourist piece; a "desktop" model/paperweight; a store sample/display?? It's a beast (12 inches long, 3 inches tall, and over a pound), made of bronze or brass. I can't imagine anyone carrying this tucked in an obi. Doesn't appear to have been used and is not marked.

If you know, please let me know!

Regards,

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

Looks like a bronze ornament for the Meiji Western market, based upon the classical yatate theme.

 

A thousand years ago yatate were originally of course the box drawer base of quivers, about that size but made of wood, bamboo, thongs, etc., in which were kept brush and ink for writing messages, poems, etc.

[b.hennick]

It looks like something that a person who sells would put in his/her window.