Incredibly Massive And Magnificent Edo Period Japanese Temple Matchlock (Tanegashima) Cannon Circa 1800

The 29 and 5/8th inch long barrel is 3 inches across its hexagonal cannon muzzle and a full 3 and 3/4 inches across at the breech. As befits a true cannon the bore is 1 and 5/8th inches in diameter. The barrel is decorated throughout its length in the finest silver and gold nunome hogan as well as silver taka and hira zogan and most unusually copper. The central figure in the decoration is a 7 inch tall finely rendered image of Kannon, the goddess of Mercy, in gold.

Above Kannon is a superbly rendered Ho Ho bird (Japanese phoenix) with silver and copper feathers. The rear of the breech is decorated with a carp in gold. The artistry encompassed on the barrel of this cannon is of the highest order found on Japanese temple guns and doubtless this massive work of art was created either as a temple offering or a gift from the daimyo of one province to another.

The lock and serpent of characteristic Japanese snap-matchlock form decorated with silver nunome blossoms. The Japanese oak stock is in good overall condition and original to the cannon. The condition of the silver, gold, and copper decoration is excellent with little or no wear or loss. The trigger is absent likely removed prior to temple presentation.

The magnitude of this superb cannon is difficult to appreciate from images. Weight is nearly 85 pounds though only 43 inches overall. This is far and away the largest Japanese temple cannon we have ever seen and one of the most beautifully decorated.

A genuine museum example that will be the centerpiece of any collection of Japanese tanegashima or Japanese metalwork. It will be shipped in its special crate to the fortunate collector or institution.