hddennis

I don't get the Western Anchor comment?? Looks like every WWII IJN emblem image I find on Google? Howard Dennis

Wife recently polished this and made it harder to photograph so I apologize in advance for my poor photos. Can anyone tell me what these symbols mean and what this vase was used for? And I will tell her to stop polishing this! Thanks in advance, Howard Dennis

Yes, it's made from thin iron so I too thought possibly an armourer made it. Also the wasp wings appear to be made of brass. Howard Dennis

No, I was surprised it wasn't signed. Howard Dennis

Wife has never liked this box but it has fascinated me ever since I first laid eyes on it. An elderly Japanese lady left it and a few other Japanese antiques to us. It looks like it may have a bit of age and it definitely took a great deal of skill to create. I love the butterfly hinges and the fish eye latch. It appears to have no visible seams. It measures 3x4x1.5 inches. What say you fellows? Howard Dennis

Could I Please get a translation of this Ojime bead signature? Thanks in advance , Howard Dennis

Thank You to all who took the time to help me with this. Howard Dennis

John, thanks for your response AND for educating me on AI, I had no idea about this feature. Here's what I found but don't fully understand: https://www.city.fukuchiyama.lg.jp/soshiki/7/1266.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com Howard Dennis

Waiting for an online yari purchase to arrive and tried Google AI response to see if I could research the mei there. Is there any way to prove or disprove this response? Howard Dennis

Had this koro for ages and never noticed the kanji on the label before. Can anyone translate what is left on the label? Thanks for any help. Howard Dennis

Wife inherited this tray from a Japanese Lady she worked for years ago. She would appreciate knowing what it says if possible. Thanks for any help, Howard Dennis

Matsunoki, Thanks again for your help. I was very curious about their garments and I'd guess being Ainu would explain that. Would their clothing be actual leaves? What a laborious task that must have been. Howard Dennis

This is a second carving I bought on my latest quest. I'd like to know anything I can on artist's name and whether he is a known carver. I also would like to know anything about the carving itself as far as what it depicts. Howard Dennis

Matsunoki, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to educate me on this latest find. Do you know who the artist is and whether or not he is a known carver? Howard Dennis

Just acquired this carving and would like to know any possible information on it. I'd especially love to know what the artist was trying to show us. It seems to be loaded with cultural icons I'd love to learn more about for example is that an Oni behind the figure? Thanks in advance any help or suggestions. Howard Dennis

Having never handled nor actually seen in person a cloisonne sword before can anyone tell me what they would have had as a blade originally? Wood or metal? If metal was it actually a real blade or just a metal Tsunagi? Howard Dennis

Thanks Ray, we messaged each other and I'm waiting for instructions. Appreciate the help. Howard Dennis

While visiting my daughter in Virginia last week I stumbled on a collection of oriental antiques and was able to bring some nice pieces home to add to our collection. This cloisonne Tachi Koshirae is one of my favorites. At first I thought I could make something better than the coat hanger that held it all together loosely so it rattled and banged the fittings every time it was handled. I now realize the task is beyond my meager skills and since the Koshirae is flawless other than the expected patina from age. Is there anyone in North America that would have the skill to create a tsunagi without having a blade to copy? Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions on how to get this properly reassembled for display. Howard Dennis

Well Thanks again SteveM, at least I know more than I did before. Howard Dennis

Steve, Thanks for your help. Is it poor photography on my part or poorly formed characters? Howard Dennis

Thanks Matsunoki, I'm out of state and have this packed but it's several inches tall roughly normal size of most snuff bottles I've found and it does have an ivory spoon.

Is this Japanese and can it be translated?

Just acquired this snuff bottle and would like to know if possible what is written on it. Thanks, Howard Dennis

Baka Gaijin & Bugyotsuji, Thanks for the link and verifications of the name. This will give me more information in my search for answers. Appreciate the help, Howard Dennis

Being a former Marine I couldn't resist this especially since I collect Japanese art. It's an art form of gold and silver inlay over a controlled rusted surface called Komai. Has the name Mac on one end and Jeauue on the other. I'm told a unit flew this style helicopter out of Okinawa in the 1950's and 1960's. Other than that suggestion I have no idea when it was made. It has the Amita logo on the bottom. Do the characters under the names look like kanji? Thanks for any help, Howard Dennis