18th C. Japanese Matchlock with chiseled barrel

Status: Sold · Region: Japan

A gorgeous and nearly one of a kind 18th c. Japanese presentation matchlock. This example has a barrel with a beautiful chiseled barrel with a dragon encircled around a varja, a rare motif and never found on a Japanese matchlock barrel. Usually barrels are gold and silver overlaid, but the quality and workmanship of this example is leagues better than any gold and silver example. The barrel is also signed underneath as well with a long crisp signature. The style of the matchlock is Hizen Tsutsu. It is very heavy. around 20lbs witha thick and well made barrel.

45 overall.