The tanegashima matchlock arquebuses were used from their accidental introduction by shipwrecked Portuguese adventurers in 1543 through the mid-19th century until the fall of the samurai in 1877 and remain in use for ceremonial purposes today. It has a blade front sight, two rear sight blocks, engraved and colored scene of a horned dragon with a bearded monk standing on it with his hands clasped and a large aura/halo around his head indicating enlightenment and a patch of waves at the breech. The dragon has a sword blade at the tip of its tail. The engraving likely represents a particular tale, but it is not currently known; however, in one Shinto story, the god Susanoo defeats Yamata no Orochi, a dragon that had been eating children, and finds a valuable sword in its tail. The sword, now known as the "Grass-Cutting Sword" is said to represent the virtue of valor and is part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan.

Fine with mottled dark brown patina and traces of original coloring on the iron, aged patina on the brass, and minor marks and scratches on the very fine stock. Mechanically excellent.