"Bokuto" Japanese Doctor's Sword

[Tonkotsu]

Here is a Japanese ‘Bokuto’ which are imitation swords made of wood. They were worn in Japan by doctors and merchants during the 1700s and 1800s. The swords are imitation because, at this time, only Samurai warriors could carry real swords. A bokuto was often worn at night. It gave the impression of a real sword to warn off potential attackers. This sword is made of wood and is 13 ¾” (34.3cm) long.

[vajo]

Hmm that looks strange. What kind of doctor was this  😁

(sorry for the kidding)

 

 

[b.hennick]

Looks like a bean pod.

[Fuuten]

I'm not an expert but just to add I read about 'replacement' pieces made of wood such as shown above for use during the tea ceremony where being armed was not permitted. I've seen a few come around and they were shaped imitating tanto koshirae.

[PietroParis]

This bokuto is a bit different...

 

[Tonkotsu]

Here is another, carved dragon 18" long.

[Bugyotsuji]

Those for the tea ceremony, Axel, where a real blade would not be permitted, were called 茶刀　Chatō I believe.

As to bean pods, Barry, I have a giant bean pod here from a Nata-mamé plant, nata being a type of cleaver. Definite similarity as you say, and likely deliberate. Dry, so slightly shrunken.

[Brian]

Pietro....I wonder if they really believe that's a mushroom? 😁

[PietroParis]

They are just being diplomatic. As someone commented in a different forum, it probably sold for a “stiff” price...

[Bugyotsuji]

The key is in the inverted commas. 😊 

[kissakai]

Just the fitting for the 'stiff' one

 

[Michaelr]

Here is a picture of a few of mine. I find them very interesting, some very detailed, not usually inexpensive, and at least for me hard to find for sale. Hope you enjoy them and feel free to comment. If anyone would like a better picture of any individual piece please let me know. Thank you for looking.

                MikeR

[Brian]

Michael, would love to see a few more pics of the top 3.
Are they solid  one piece?

[b.hennick]

I want to share my bokuto.

[Tonkotsu]

Thank you for sharing some beautiful Bokuto and a bean pod.

Dick

[kissakai]

They are nice images - thanks

It's something I will have to look out for

 

[Michaelr]

Ok Brian here are some more pictures of the top 3. Yes they are all one piece

[Ken-Hawaii]

Very interesting! I've used bokken in martial arts for more than 30 years,& have never run across anything like these. Thanks!

[Lukas]

Hi there

Are they still available?

 

I'm looking for antique bokutos 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated 

 

Best regards 

Lukas 

 

 

[Michaelr]

Lucas, I still have all of the ones that I posted pictures of but they are not for sale. It has been many years since I have seen one for sale. Just not something you see every day. Good luck in your search

 MikeR

[Scottm]

Any idea what this is?  Does it fall into the category of Bokuto or chato?   Is quite thin, carded the same on both sides, and about 13” long.  Thanks for the help.

[John C]

Scott:

As a bokuto enthusiast (though I do not own many) my guess would be chato or something else. Bokuto could be ornate, however were designed to be at least somewhat protective and possibly fool a potential criminal. I do not think a light fish stuffed in the obi fits those criteria. But really, a bokuto is anything, usually made of wood, that could be used defensively so who knows.

 

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

Does it have any holes in it Scott? Does it look suitably old? What was it sold as?
 

It looks like a crossover piece somewhere between a large Netsuke and Bokuto. Ainu work?

[Bazza]

No such thing as a necropost when it is full of laughs and guffaws.  Really enjoyed revisiting this thread.  Have seen a couple of Doctor's swords in my time, but not for many, many years.

 

BaZZa.

[John C]

2 hours ago, Scottm said:

Bokuto

Scott:

I was looking through Daruma Magazine issue 7 and found a similar bokuto "shrimp". So maybe?

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

Kevin Page (Oriental Art) in London usually has two or three of these available in his shop.

[Ed]

Some nice examples shown in this thread, thanks for sharing. I haven't seen one for sale in a long time. 

 

Only have one, it was gifted to me a few years ago.

[John C]

Mine is a traditional tanto style (foreground).

 

John C.

[Michaelr]

It is nice to see this topic brought back to life. John and Ed both great looking pieces. Thank you for sharing. I haven’t searched any out for a long time but also haven’t seen any for sale for many years.   MikeR