Dagger and Scabbard
Unknown Artist
1800s
Medium
metal
Dimensions
l. 42.5 cm · hilt: w. 6.4 cm, l. 12.8 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Korean Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of The Honorable Joseph P. Carroll and Roberta Carroll, M.D.
Accession Number
1995.246
About this artwork
This is a typical 19th-century dagger and scabbard. The material and decoration were carefully chosen for their symbolic meaning. For example, tortoise shell was chosen as the main material for the scabbard for its association with the legend of ancient heroes, while bats, the main decorative element of the brass mount, symbolize longevity and happiness.