Hand Cannon 1775 - 1865

This hand cannon was made by Kazuki Nobumichi sometime between 1750 and 1850, integrating iron, wood, and brass. The cannon’s design is defined by a tension between ornamentation and pure functionality. The barrel itself appears to be forged steel. The wooden stock is inlaid with brass fittings that are both decorative and structural. Notice the crispness of the metalwork, its burnished sheen, and the care with which the wood is shaped to receive these fittings. These details speak to the high degree of skill demanded from those who made weapons at this time. This object offers insight into the complex relationship between craftsmanship, warfare, and social status. The labor and materials invested in its creation elevate it beyond a mere tool of combat. Nobumichi's work challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft by highlighting the aesthetic dimensions inherent in functional objects.