Sokuto-ki, a Secret Samurai Weapon
Sokuto-ki, 息討器 also known as Suna-Teppo 砂鉄砲were small hand held box like containers carried concealed yet clipped to their obi sash by Edo period samurai warriors, police and security officers. The swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is even said to have carried one, and sokuto-ki are also suggested as potential shinobi, or ninja tools. They are said to have been an invention of Sano Tsunetada of the Shinshu Matsushiro domain.
Like most sokuto-ki, it is a basically square shaped device about 5cm in size and made of lacquered wood. It features an angled mouthpiece of engraved metal fitted with a fine metal mesh at one end, and a long, square plug filling a small hole at the opposite end. Like most samurai items, it had both form and function.
The modest hand-held unit contained blinding agents to be blown into the face of an enemy at close range. Ash, finely ground salt and red pepper — some documents include granulated sand, even iron powder being used — were mixed together, and a certain amount of pre-determined powder to provide the optimum potency and effect, was then poured into the chamber.
A belt clip was attached via either a chain or often used leather or cord straps to prevent the pieces from being dropped and lost when in use.
When facing an opponent, the sokuto-ki or suna teppo could be quickly detached, and carried in the mouth via the mouthpiece, allowing the hands free to use other weaponry. The plug could be easily removed before the contents were blown, forming a thick cloud of blinding smoke screen into the faces of the attacker or those needing to be restrained, allowing for a moments grace to overwhelm or cut the opponent down, or a chance to escape in a momentary smoke screen.
This particular piece shown here was owned by members of the Sanada clan of Shinano Province (Nagano Prefecture) where these sokuto-ki were first developed and features both of the Sanada clan crests embossed in gold on it.
For the samurai it was a hi-tech hidden weapon, just part of the arsenal carried by men at arms.