A Japanese iron gun barrel. The gun was introduced into Japan by the Portuguese in the 16th century and soon became a fundamental element of the Japanese military. The country's superior metal smithing skills and traditions allowed Japan to quickly master the manufacture of firearms in large number. But the ruling samurai's distain for what they viewed as an untraditional and unhonorable weapon in conjunction with the relative peace and seclusion during the Edo Period lead to the near abandonment of firearms. The forged iron barrel with an abstract sculptural quality and inlaid silver ring near the mouth of the barrel. Mounted on a contemporary metal stand. 17th century 24½" high on metal stand
