A long Japanese matchlock gun with a dark wooden stock, metal barrel, and brass firing mechanism photographed against a neutral grey background.

late 16th–early 17th century · Steel matchlock gun

Matchlock Gun of Horio Yoshiharu

Japanese maker; associated with Horio Yoshiharu

Why it matters

The gun materialises a technology introduced through maritime contact but manufactured, owned, and used within Japan. It prevents the story of the firearm from ending with a European moment of delivery.

Publication
Matchlock Gun of Horio Yoshiharu
Holding institution
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Department of Arms and Armor
Shelfmark
14.100.101
Rights
Public Domain; The Met Open Access

Citation

Matchlock Gun of Horio Yoshiharu. Japan, late 16th–early 17th century. Steel. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 14.100.101.