Ivory Mounted Dirk

An image of a sheath against a grey background. The sheath has carved people, horses, and dragons on it.
The ivory dirk from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Japan  
Year: ca. 1895 
Materials: Ivory and metal   

Samurai warriors and their weaponry held a fascination for Westerners. By 1853, Japan had opened its international borders and by the 1870s abolished the samurai class, meaning there was a flood of authentic and replica samurai items in Japanese markets. This piece is a model of a traditional samurai dagger called a tanto, which are short double-edged daggers. Authentic Japanese swords/dirks never were mounted in ivory due to its fragility.  Westerners had come to equate ivory with eastern opulence and so a new market was formed. It was bought in Yokohama, a major centre for ivory carving. 

The sides of the sheath show great craftsmanship, with a level of detail. The figures on the side include warriors in armour, people in robes, and floral backgrounds. 

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.