dutch smallsword with japanese influence

[cornelistromp]

hi Jim,

The earliest Dutch reference to shakuda is found in Rumpius; Dámboinsche rariteitenkamer, which was published in Amsterdam in 1705 and in which this material is called black suassa . Rumpius further states that is comes from Tonkin and Japan, being a sort of copper which is always black on the outside, but if rubbed it becomes copper-like.
(cf PUYPE, the Visser Collection part3, p 194.)

TONKIN Đông Kinh (東京), meaning 'Eastern Capital'. (東京 is identical in meaning and written form in Chinese characters to that of Tokyo).
so it may be the case that Rumpius intended Tokyo instead of north Vietnam!
JP Puype does not interpret this so in his publication, I will ask him next time if this can be a good possibility.


It was said that the VOC brought Chinese artisans to the Netherlands
do you know if there is any reference/source for this?

best,
Jasper