Type: Tessen (Iron War Fan) Length: Approx. 38 cm (fully open) Estimated Age: Meiji Mass: 128.1g
This Japanese iron tessen presents a dignified and refined aesthetic, finished in striking silver over lacquered wooden ribs. On the front side, the fan bears the inscription 武徳 (Butoku "Martial Virtue") in bold black script, enclosed within a radiating emblem incorporating crossed arrows; a motif often linked with the Dai Nippon Butokukai, an organization founded in the Meiji period to uphold the traditions and ethics of martial arts. The reverse face features large calligraphic characters 徳武 (Tokutake), accompanied by two vermilion seals and a small inscription along the left edge. The combination of these elements reflects the classical martial symbolism of courage and discipline. The surface exhibits gentle wear and soft oxidation along the ribs, with some minor lifting of the silvered paper at the edges. Despite the aging, the printed motifs remain crisp and legible. The kumihimo cord is original, woven from silk with decorative tassels, now frayed and dulled from age but intact and secure.
The calligraphy and emblem indicate a likely connection to early 20th-century martial institutions or commemorative presentations. The careful execution of the design, particularly the precision of the radiating lines and the elegance of the kanji forms, suggest it was a formal item produced for instructors or practitioners within the Butokukai or related budo organizations. The reflective silver paper finish is particularly uncommon for Butokukai fans, and gives the piece a subdued but striking presence under light.
