Saihai samurai commander baton

Mid Edo Period (1615-1867)

Wood with silvered-copper mounts and paper

Lenght: 36.5 cm

 

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, while some other time it hangs to a small rope, like in tn this case. The baton is fitted sith silvered applications on which a tahaka kamon (family crest), representing two crossed hawk feathers, indicate an important provenance.