Creepy cane with skeletons, bat, and dated dagger...Any ideas?

[lenmac65]

I apologize if this is the wrong forum as I guess I know "What is it?" - a cane. But I have no idea of the significance, if any. Is this a one of a kind item or is this a dime-a-dozen walking stick made for tourists somewhere? Do the images (skeletons, bats, and dagger) mean anything to anybody? How about the dated dagger? Is it an 1802 or 1862 and would that date be the date of manufacture or a date commemorating an event? Any ideas or insights would be most appreciated.

The cane itself is 36 inches long and made of bamboo. It is fairly lightweight with a metal cap at the bottom. The top is rounded with little raised bumps. My father bought it in an antique store about 40 years ago, but has no idea about the purpose of the markings. He just thought it was interesting. I hope you do too.

(Sorry about the picture orientation. I should have shot them vertical. My neck hurts now, I hope yours does not. I attached more photos on my post below. Number 13, I think. Thanks)

 

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[lenmac65]

Thanks for all the posts. I am pretty convinced now that this is an Asian (probably Japanese) walking stick. The marks on the bag carried by the skeleton do look like Asian/Japanese writing. There also appears to be markings or writing above what I believe is a date (either 1802 or 1862). As for the dagger-like image, I suppose it could be two pointed chop sticks, though I was thinking it was either two daggers or a dagger and its sheath. Now I just need to figure out what message or story the images are trying to convey and whether the date means anything. At least now I have some ideas of where I should be looking (i.e. Japanese folklore.)

Thanks again all.

This walking stick may have been carved for the Obon festival. It is Japan's equivalent to "The Day of the Dead". It's a pretty important festival and EVERYONE make the journey back - including the spirits of family members. Food, flowers, and other gifts are left out for the spirits. Lanterns are hung to guide the spirits home. Males of the family sometimes go outside in the evening and call to the spirits to welcome them. In some parts of Japan, a walking stick is left by the family alter to assist the spirits with the long walk back to the afterlife.

For my money (not that it is costing me anything), calling this an Obon walking stick is a pretty safe bet.

The kanji characters on the bag look readable. I tried to figure them out but my kanji ability is poor. Take it to a Japanese person for translation. That may provide your best clue.

DCMatt

Dittos from me. Nice job DCMatt. Some real nice insights. And yes, treasurenet is amazing. I think once I show this to my father, he'll be sold on it too.

Thanks again everyone....