Ebira, samurai quiver

Mid-Edo period

Used since medieval times, this type of quiver left the arrows completely exposed, tied together and with their tips inserted into the lower compartment, protected by special dividers.

This example is of the highest quality and bears a large janome (snake eye) kamon on the front, while two butterflies are placed on the back and the decoration is enriched with fuji kamon. The provenance could therefore be that of the Katō clan.

The decorations are made of takamaki-e (relief) lacquer with gold and silver on a black background.