hddennis

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

Thanks John & Gabriel, is there any place I can read about Oni? From online searches it seems most are only depicted as wearing a loincloth and the one I found wearing a robe like mine was said to be impersonating a priest. The umbrella and gong below it seem to always be shown but I don't know why. Who is the woman and why the puppy? Some would say just add it to your collection and move on but I'd love to know what the carver was trying to say in this piece. Howard Dennis

Anybody have a site I can post this on that would be able to tell me what the carver was trying to portray in this piece? I'd like to know is it a legend, myth, story or what? I'd just like to know what this is representing. Howard Dennis

Just acquired this netsuke and would appreciate help in translating the signature and also what was artist portraying in this netsuke that seems to be filled with symbolism I don't understand. Howard Dennis

Thanks Guys, appreciate the help. So Kanenari is the general consensus? I ask again because I've never had a translation suggest more than one solution and don't want to pass along inaccurate information to the owner. SwordGuyJoe, yes I too would love to see it in a new polish. Any idea what would be a likely hamon from this smith? Howard Dennis

Since I have nothing to work with but previous photos sent to me I converted image to a negative. All I can do until he brings sword to me next week. Howard Dennis

Thanks guys, Have not actually seen sword in person yet so all I have are pictures sent by his phone. Howard Dennis

Local sword owner asked if I could help him find out what the tang says so I said I'd ask you folks. Thanks for the help, Howard Dennis

Ran across these menuki that I believe depict bonji. Can anyone translate them or tell me what they mean please? Howard Dennis

Thanks John, that looks right to me. Appreciate the help, Howard Dennis

Looking for a translation of the signature on my netsuke, Please. Howard Dennis

Just bought these menuki that I believe have been used at least twice as jewelry and would like to know If any additional information can be determined about them such as age or school. I received them with one attached to a brass disc necklace and the other had fallen off. I removed the remaining one very easily as it was glued on. It appears that in the past prior to WWII they were sanded on the back, had the pegs flatted and were soldered on to something else. Can any other details be learned about them? Howard Dennis

Sorry Guys, I should have posted this response I received. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19191-translation-of-mark-or-possible-kanji-please/

I tried to post pictures to my last post about a signature translation but was unable to. I also have this other one that is the smallest I've ever seen and would appreciate your opinions as to use and age. Howard Dennis

http://forums.netsuke.org/post/any-extra-thoughts-8069818

Thanks Guys, Just curious, where would the "Not" odd signature placement be? Howard Dennis

Along with the 2 cloisonné miniature vases I picked up over Easter vacation I also found a netsuke that I'd like to know who the maker is. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me, Howard Dennis

Malcolm, is there anyway you can help me join the 925-1000 forum? I registered days ago, didn't get any confirmation and it won't let me in nor is there any way to contact a human about my inability to join or register. VERY frustrating! Howard Dennis

Thanks Guys, I really appreciate the help and it was great to learn a little more about the culture who's objects my wife and I love to collect. All started by my father-in-laws gift of a 17th century wakizashi he got on the invasion of Okinawa and has led to a house full of Japanese art. Howard Dennis

Haven't been able to find out if this is a trademark or kanji. It appears on the bottom of 2 beautiful miniature cloisonné vases I just acquired. Any help greatly appreciated, Howard Dennis

Malcolm, thanks for that, it has a lot of details about cloisonné I didn't know. Still would like to find information pertaining to my mark. Howard Dennis