A rare gold-lacquer shinto ceremonial kuwa (hoe) Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th century The roiro ground decorated in gold hiramaki-e with kikyo-mon (Chinese bellflower crests) scattered among sprays of pine, the top and bottom section fitted with matching brass mounts engraved with karakusa ('Chinese grasses'); the blade gold-lacquered except the kuwaba (blade edge), revealing a dark steel alloy; the bottom stamped with a red inventory number. 62.5cm (24 5/8in) long.