Viper6924

Here´s a good example when two items in a collection can match each other in a nice way. Bought this small koro with a Tokugawa mon on it a while ago. Not really finding a good place for it. Then not long ago I happend to buy a scroll that belonged to an old samurai family in Aizu. It´s made by the first lord of Aizu Hoshina Masayuki. The meaning of the text is something like "True Heart" (thanks Piers for helping me with the translation) which was kind of a motto for the Aizu-clan. Aizu, being a close retainer of the Tokugawa, the hollyhock mon is placed on top of this scroll. Masayuki being the fourth (but illegitimate) son of the second shogun Tokugawa Hidetada, was for his own safety adopted by the Hoshina-clan. Out of respect for the Hoshinas, Masayuki turned down the offer the use the hollyhock for himself. This was instead used by his son and onwards. Perfect match and a dull corner of the house suddenly looks so much better :D The scroll itself is not in any way in perfect condition. But You can safely file it under the wabi sabi section of this collection. Jan

Thanks, Malcom! I think You are 100% correct. A very logical and at the same time educational branding, I must say Jan

You are probably right, Uwe. And the kanji burned in twice is? :D Jan

Hi guys! It´s time to turn the attention back to the wonderful world of teppo-paraphernalia :D Have this flint-lighter from Edo-period. A solid piece of kit, perfect for those rugged camping adventures. On the handle there is a kanji, which I can´t figure out. I´m hoping a fellow Japanese speaking Edo Period Corner faithful can help here. It´s all this small objects connected to the wonderful world of tanegashima, that makes this subculture of antique collection so interesting. Thanks! Jan

There is a very faint kanji on the left side that could be a 作. The motokasane is about 5,5 mm. I finish of with some more pics of the koshirae for John. Jan

Wow, that was incredible quick, Veli! A million thanks. The old guy was right, then. 1556, in the smack middle of Sengoku period. Well balanced and perfect for hand to hand combat. Well, the Yoshimitsu´s was famous for their tantos and the straight hamon. The Yoshimitsu´s I´ve seen has always had a two kanji mei. Never seen one with a date before. Thanks again, Veli and Chris! Jan

Hi guys! Bought this tanto from an old man in Japan a couple of years ago. He told me it was a koto blade made by Yoshimitsu. It has a date, but it´s very hard for me to read. Cutting edge is 23 cm. Resting in a nice koshirae. Would be great if a full translation was possible. It took me over one hour to produce these pictures It´s the best I can manage. Thanks a lot!!! Jan

Here´s my small collection of the Shinsengumi. Notice how I placed Serizawa Kamo (with the cannon) in the back. I mean, he got assassinated on Kondos order, so where could I have placed him :D Acctually visited the Shintakuji temple (called Mibudera temple today) a couple of years ago. Had a nice chat with the little woman in the ticket stand. When she heard I came from Sweden she let me in for free. The statue is of Kondo Isami. Jan

I would go with Kondo Isami, commander of the Shinsengumi :D Jan

I´m somewhat of a castle freak. Been all over Japan to watch the twelve original ones, so def interesting, John And spot on, Malcolm!!! Just wonder what the meaning of that "arrow" is. And also of course which clan used it. Were getting there... Jan

It looks a bit like an arrow, Keith. I had a much better picture but that one seems to have gone with the old computer And I don´t remember the details from that one. Perhaps this is one of those "group-signs" that You often come across especially on jingasas? Thanks John for that piece of interesting info. Def worth following up a bit. Ja

Here´s a picture of a Ikko ikki battleflag. You are on the right track. The mon looks a bit like a headstone. Mmmm.... Jan

Hi guys! I have seen this mon before and now it popped up again. Last time, If I´m not mistaken, was on a jingasa. Sorry for the bad picture. Any clues??? Thanks! Jan

My friend and fellow member of the board, Anthony, has a rather special teppo in his collection. On the stock is two kanjis branded. Would be great to hear what they stand for. Thanks! Jan

My reply seems to have gone missing in cyberspace... Thanks again, Morita-san. What would I (the forum) do without You? Piers, the horse looks happy...I think :lol: Jan

One quick follow up question, Morita san. I have one translation that reads the "suke dayu" as "suke no kami". The kanji is 100% the same. Is there a difference? Thanks again! Jan

You are a treasure for this board, Morita-san Domo Arigato!!! Jan

Hi guys! Have a new teppo in my collection. It´s a kunitomo. About 108 cm long. Weighs in at between 4,5 and 5 kg. 6 monme. Solid gun. Need some assistance with the mei. Specially the end of it. All help is as always very much appreciated! Jan

Let´s make a quick detour to the wonderful world of prints. This is a print by Utagawa Toyonobu. My question is easy... I hope Is this motif from the attack on Oda Nobunaga 1582? Thanks guys! Jan

Thanks Piers. Yes this jingasa has the Mori-mon on it. Thanks again! Jan

Thanks!!! So it means it belonged to a Mr Mitsuboshi from Choshu? Ahhh I must learn some Japanese... Jan

Hi Guys! This sign is placed on a jingasa. I´ve seen it for a while now. Must know what it says... :D :D :D Thanks!!! Jan

Nice!!! Gunpowder and Bolero always works :D Where did this take place? I saw what I think is a corner tower on a castle, in the background. Wouldn´t mind pulling the trigger on a 20 monme, myself. Must be a "say hello to my little friend" moment. Thanks Piers! /Jan

I have seen the kabuto at Morisakis. I will take Your word regarding the offered price :D The thing that I found most unusual was the golden textile thread under the mon. I haven´t been able to se that in any other maedate in my books. Perhaps it´s hard to discovery in the pictures. Can be mistaken for metal, I guess. Judging from the black rust on the backside, it could def be older than Edo. But it´s hard to come to clear answer on that one. Perhaps Ian can give us his 2 cents on this Jan

Thanks for Your input, guys. Now I just need to get hold of a matching Kabuto with Shimazu-mon. Perhaps You can hook a brother up, Uwe :D :D :D Very interesting about that single kanji. The size of it makes me think it´s the armorers mark for "up". Don´t think they would dare write "kami" with such a small kanji. Learning something every day. Thanks! Jan