Anonymous

late Edo / Meiji period, 18th/19th century

1800-1912

Bokuto

A wood and lacquer hand-carved bokuto “imitation sword”. also known as a doctor’s sword. Peonies and lattice patterns cover the body of the bokuto with ginkgo leaves on the handle.

Bokuto were imitation swords worn for security by the common Japanese man who was not permitted to wear real swords. Also known as Chato (doctors sword) the belief that doctors would carry these for protection seems to be untrue. Depending on your status in Japanese culture determined whether you could carry a blade or not. it's understood that doctors were of high enough status to carry a short sword.

Far more likely is that the common man would have a wooden imitation sword to create the illusion of carrying a real sword at night and could obviously be used to protect themselves if needed.

Unsigned

460mm x 45mm