A Japanese hoko, Edo period, with fine crow-bill-form head, blade length 22cm, the unsigned tang with double hole piercings, mounted on a probably associated golden oak shaft, the upper section with corrugated black lacquer grip, shaped decorated copper mounts and gilt decorated rattan binding, with lacquered steel hirumaki terminal, overall length 162cm. Provenance: the collection of the late Roald Knutsen (1933-2025); purchased from D.J.K. Wright, 22nd April 1962, for £10 10s. Note: Roald Knutsen noted that B.W. Robinson’s opinion was that this was very likely 17th century judging by the tang form, and that the shaft has almost naginata style mounts and the shaft has a distinct double curve. A similar weapon appears in the Metropolitan Museum of New York.