Naginata - a Japanese spar weapon

at the junction of the blade and a long bamboo spar with an oval cross-section - a rectangular steel tsuba with wavy edges and a long brass sleeve, with a circular mark; the spar in the upper part - strung with wire forming regular notches covered with red lacquer and further reinforced with three brass rings; wooden scabbard, covered with paper covered with textured red-gold lacquer, with brass ferrule on the edge; at the lower end of the spar - decoratively carved, high brass ferrule; bamboo, steel, brass, copper, lacquer; ribs length. 40 cm, spar with tsuba 190 cm; all in scabbard 231 cm.
Japan, 20th century.
Originally a peasant weapon, used by regular military formations, mainly on foot, from the 12th century onward. In later periods it became mainly a court weapon accompanying ceremonial ceremonies and parades. It was also used for fencing practice by women from samurai families.
In modern times it is used for sport fighting [naginata-do].