1790 Japanese Matchlock Rifle

This kaleidoscopic interpetation of a late 18th Century matchlock rifle was a commissioned item. The customer wanted a small kaleidoscope rifle for exhibition in an important firearms establishment. Research revealed that the Japanese matchlock of the late 1700 was a firearm cherished for both it's finely crafted beauty as well as it's superior accuracy. Instead of standard markings, cherry blossoms were chosen to decorate the side and stock. Real cherry is pierced and then sawed out to reveal the design. Body and stock were made from real Brazilian Rosewood (a treasured and legal piece of wood.........this wood was harvested in 1986 from a wood plantation before government restrictions eliminated any export).

Configuring a mirror system was particularly difficult in that this was a very long scope in relation to the width. This high ratio makes a large image nearly impossible without adding a third mirror. A third mirror was not desired because of the strong need to maintain a singular mandala as the image. To solve this problem an acrylic wand that contains colored glass and oil was employed as the third side. It provided an interesting and changing addition to the sides of the mandala and also enabled the main object chamber to receive light from the front, further adding to the image. The mirror system was inspired by the excellent work of kaleidoscope artist David Sugich. David has pushed the use of wands to new elevations.

Details of the scope. The client's name is inlaid in maple. Details of the working parts above