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Matchlock Gun from Japan

Matchlock guns are a type of firearm which was introduced into Japan by the Portuguese and was quickly adopted by the Japanese warrior class, the samurai. This matchlock gun dates to the late 16th / early 17th century and may have been partially made in Portugal. It was later acquired by the Japanese feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who bestowed it to his trusted officer Horio Yoshiharu.

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Stories

  • The gun of the samurai

    story by Francesca Gammino.

    This matchlock gun traveled the world, moving from one place to the other, passing from the hands of craftsmen to the most powerful warrior lords. This story uncovers this gun’s global experience by way of its materials, craftsmanship, decorations and inscriptions.

    Start this story