Japanese Edo Wood & Iron Sodegarami

East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. A frightening pole weapon made to be used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, composed of a sturdy hardwood pole with metal strips studded with short spikes in rows down its upper third and four barbed hooks at its upper end. Despite its appearance, this item was actually made to capture someone unharmed - by catching on clothing and tangling the arms of an enemy until they could be subdued. Size: 3.35" W x 86" H (8.5 cm x 218.4 cm)

For another example of a sodegarami with a T-shaped crossbar, please see: Withers, Harvey J.S. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 215, middle example.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2005; ex-private Kyushu, Japan collection

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#150228 Dimensions: Condition Report: Wear on surface commensurate with age. The wooden pole has been repainted. Nice patina on iron surfaces.