Wanted: Strange Kanji

[Guido]

I’m searching for one of the kanji on a wood carving; the first 小 is as easy as it gets, and the third 製 usually means “made by” in this context. However, the middle one has me stumped. I *assume* it’s 隠 (which is already an abbreviation of 隱), but I can’t find a single example.

 

Any suggestions/confirmation? What's the name of the artist/craftsman?

[Bugyotsuji]

Apart from far-fetched imagination, nothing to offer here. What kind of carving?

 

(The imagination, for what it is worth is 小 being a humble reference to oneself, perhaps after retiring from great office and starting anew as 隠居, and novice carver.)

[mywei]

I think it must be a stylised version of 隱　

[tom]

The signature is ´´ Shoin sei ´´

 

Tom

[Bugyotsuji]

Tom, can you share your thinking?

[mywei]

I think 小隠 is pronounced as "Sho'in" (on'yomi)

 

Tom, can you share your thinking?

[Bugyotsuji]

Matt, yes, I agree that Sho-in reading is one possibility, but there are others, such as Sho-on, Ko-in, Ko-on, and so on.

 

I am interested in how Tom comes to that single reading conclusion, to the exclusion of any others. It's a little take-it-or-leave-it, point-blank, do you not think? If he knew of or found another example of the artist's work, then I would be happy enough to accept it.

[tom]

The middle Kanji ´´ In ´´ is his own made Kanji ´´in ´´ from normal. Or better his characteristics Kanji. Thats the thinking.

 

Tom

[Markus]

I *assume* it’s 隠 (which is already an abbreviation of 隱), but I can’t find a single example.

 

 

You are right Guido. It is indeed a variant of the 隠 character and can be found in this database:

 

http://jigen.net/kanji/167686

 

Doing a quick check on Japanese pages for a reading of 小隠 , most seem to quote the name "Shô'in".

[Pete Klein]

小隠制衣 -- possibly 'Shoin Seiki' but I cannot find anyone/anything in search.

[Guido]

I really appreciate all the help (in this thread and via PM), and especially Markus for the confirmation - I wasn't aware of that website, it's bookmarked now!