hddennis

Thanks so much to you all for helping me out. Others sources said it couldn't be translated or wasn't anything of merit. You have restored my faith in believing it's worthy of keeping in my collection. Please don't hesitate to post any other information from other sources as I don't have any of the books mentioned. I hereby give my permission to include these pictures and information in any lists or publications that might further study and historical research of these great art objects. Howard Dennis

Since I had such good luck on my vase information thought I'd ask if anyone could tell me anything about my latest inro purchase. I just couldn't resist the subject matter. Looks like a collector admiring his sword furniture. Howard Dennis

Thanks for your rapid response. Really appreciate the help. Howard Dennis

Trying to determine who made my latest vase find. Thanks for any help, Howard Dennis

Thanks Steve, I'll see if I can find anything researching that name. Howard Dennis

Thanks Steven, appreciate the help. I have another one I'm trying to find out what it says, if you are able to determine is it kanji or a stylized artist signature?

Just ran across this and would like to know what it says. Thanks, Howard Dennis

I have gone back and tried to take better pictures but just don't have the skill or equipment. After this post I went back and looked at the yari and it is browner than it appears in the photos and the signature a lot fainter than it looks in my pictures and I think it looks older than this in person but I just can't capture it on film. Howard Dennis

Thanks Guys. So the signature reads FUJIWARA HISANAGA SAKU Correct? Any idea on time period or place? I can't turn up anything online for this smith. Howard Dennis

Just got this yari and would like to know who the maker is. Thanks for any help, Howard Dennis

Thanks, I appreciate the help. Any guess as to why this would have been made? As a gift to someone connected to NHK, retirement or marking the founding of NHK? Howard Dennis

Just found this vase which looked like many others until I noticed the column of kanji engraved down one side. I've never seen this before and wonder what it says. It has 2 kanji on top with a space followed by 6 other kanji Thanks, Howard Dennis

Nobody can shed any light or an opinion on this? I'm trying to determine could it possibly be authentic and it was plated by someone? I see copper under the plating's worn areas and don't know if I'm seeing copper plating from the plating process or the piece is made from solid copper which I would think MIGHT mean it was a real kogai and not something modern. It does seem to have more weight than something that was diecast. Howard Dennis

Hate to admit it but I jumped on a (too good to be true) online purchase and wonder if someone recognizes the source of this reproduction which the seller swears is an antique. These are sellers pictures and are claimed to be accurate representation of item. In actuality it is chromed or nickel plated over copper and it is NON magnetic and not steel as claimed. The only saving grace is it was cheap! Howard Dennis

Thanks for posting this, it's why I brought my question here to get multiple views of it's meaning or message. At first I only saw a demon carrying a maiden but when I noticed the facial expressions they both seem very pleased with themselves and not at all in a stressful situation. Howard Dennis

Here's the back of netsuke. I think it represents what I've seen listed as a document box. It almost looks as if you could really open it. The coin shows how small this whole thing is. Howard Dennis

Just acquired this tiny inro from another collector who claimed it was from the early 1900's. Can anyone shed any light on it's use or translate the signature? Was it a toy? Could it have been made for a child? Thanks, Howard Dennis

Thanks everyone, I'll post better pictures when I receive this. New question: It's just been mentioned above to search this forum. To be perfectly honest this is something I've never done. Mainly because I'm used to other forums having their content showing up in a Google search. Is this forum's content NOT included in a Google search? Howard Dennis

Did I do something to offend everyone here? First I'm told I didn't express gratitude fast enough and then I guess I need to be told a favor has been done for me??? I thought that was what this section is for?? I ask these questions because I can't read kanji and with no library I have no way to research these things so I come here for help. Howard Dennis

Just found knifemakers online with claimed lineage descending from Kikuichi Monju Shirō Kanenaga , would this have any bearing on this mei? Howard Dennis

To be honest, I have NEVER failed to thank people who have helped me out. I didn't in this case for 2 reasons. First and foremost I didn't feel we were done yet as it wasn't fully translated and I couldn't find anything that matched so was holding off while it was discussed further. Secondly I just had a run-in on another Asian forum about a netsuke where it was improperly labeled as resin by so called experts who tainted my post because of this improper identification causing no further discussion because I had the nerve to question the false evaluation. I'm terribly sorry if I've broken some unspoken rules so please accept my apology. Thank you to all who have taken time to help me out in the past, present and future, Howard Dennis

Is this a normal mei? I can't find anything similar. Howard Dennis

I apologize in advance for these poor photos but they are all I have till this arrives in the mail. Can anyone recognize any part or all of this signature? Thanks, Howard Dennis

WOW, I can't thank you fellows enough for continuing research on this for me. I really appreciate the help. To me it's not enough to just fall in love with these little oriental works of art. Besides their artful creation most have an underlying story or moral to tell that needs to be understood to fully appreciate what you have just added to your collection. Howard Dennis

Thanks John, I ran across that and several other small bits of information that just teased me. I know the Oni's name, her name, what the branch stands for and apparently he is carrying her across some form of water. I'd love to know why is he now doing good deeds and not being a demon, what is he saving her from and what is his relation to her??? Howard Dennis