Saihai Samurai commander baton

Mid Edo Period, 18º century
Wood with silvered-copper mounts; paper final
Lenght: 37 cm

A rare saihai in red lacquer with golden foliage decoration and kamon (family crest) of the Tokugawa clan.

Born as a tool to control the troops, the saihai changed his function during the Edo period and became an accessory to wear with the armor as a symbol of power.
The saihai's final can be in different materials; sometimes is applied directly to the stick, some others hung with a small rope. In this case, it is decorated with hair, attached directly to the stick.

Saihai for sale. Please include item stock number: alt-1473