A RARE NEGORO LACQUER BOW

Bows coated with protective black lacquer are known from as early as the Heian period, but this may be a nearly unique example of a Negoro bow. Negoro is a general term used for red-lacquered wood vessels used in temples and shrines during Japan’s medieval era, the 14th through 16th centuries. Negoro ware, beloved for the way the red lacquer wears away in places to expose the black lacquer underlayer below, is named after the Negoro Temple in Kii province (modern Wakayama Prefecture). The temple is said to have had a ten thousand monk-soldiers at one time, which may account for the production of this weapon.

The present bow, judging by is good condition and superior craftsmanship, was likely intended for ritual use, rather than the battlefield.