francantolin

Hello, Thank you ! My english is not that good..... For the flag, not a Japanese one ? I didn't found Japanese flags or banners with metallic final tip, ''always'' a wooden square shape , isn't it ?

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Hello, Thank you !! ( But what can it be ?? )

Hello, these pictures for the similarities... Bishamonten spear ??

I dismantle it, Sorry, here is the complete staff, wood part seems later add / european ??

Hello dear members, I wanted to show you this item: maybe a staff/ spear head made in the style of a buddhist monk staff or a ritual yari-trident jumonji like spear... Just a deco but the steel/iron part seems well made and forged not cast What do you think ? Kind regards

Meiji Period ? Maybe later ?? What do you think ? Than you

Thank you so much for your precious message !! Bugyotsuji, thousand thanks for the translation of the kanji leading to Kintaro !! And yes, surely a bear, find this one of Kintaro and his bear with the same face-expression Kind regards !!!!

Hello, Thank you Pietro for your answer and links-pictures, I totally agree with you for the general shape for the model of the ''statue'' and the massive shape-body of the animal but here the statue has fingers on the paws ( 5 and 4 back ) and no hoofs, strange tail and more importantly, a head ( without horns ) with pointed muzzle and with whiskers/moustache... Seems like a rat/cat on steroîds !! just a fantasy of the maker ??

Mei ? / Signature and a sign on the belly of the character ... Every comment suggestion is welcomed Kind regards

Started quickly without text !! Sorry !! dear members, I wanted to show this bronze statue / maybe an incense burner I just received. Sadly some cracks and the ( what I think was ) the flute is missing I think it's Japanese , maybe Meiji Era, with delicate goldening on the flute player and interesting kind of red ans silver clouds ? and a Moon ? on the animal. First I thought it was a bull or a big cat but now I have it, I think it's a big rat of some kind of fabulous animal , maybe a yokai ? Does anybody know the ''signature'' on the statues and maybe what represent these characters ??

Hello dear

Hello, Thank you all for your answers !! I wonder why they take time for make fake mei signatures... the rest of the sword is no perfect at all so they can't pretend a high price and sell it as a real one

Hello, Thank you , I know, they are ( voluntarily ?) blurry... here other interesting pics. Kind regards !

Here the signature, What do you think ?? can anybody please translate if possible ? Kind regards

Hello dear members, I wanted your precious advice about this katana sword, it was sold as an original piece but not really expensive. The mounts , scabbard seems more a copy of katana made in spain the blade I don't know, pictures are blurry, so for me it was just a copy But the seller send me two pictures on the tang and tsuba with signature/engravings. Do you think it's a real one ? or chinese copy with imitation of mei signature ?

Good night !

Yes sure ! I think I will do it by myself

Hello Kimmo, Thank you for the proposition but not for the moment.

Yes ! What a pity ! For me no worries, I bought it just 50 euros on internet , there was only one picture of the sword, I ''bet'' it would be a real sword, ( if not, it was just 50 euros...) then discovered the mei when I receive it... just a wonderful feeling ! Really sad for the blacksmith Toshimune how take the time to create it ! I can't imagine what old owners have done with this sword for massacre it like that !

zoom pics

Thank you Raymond for the translation !!!

Thank you for your precious comments, especially Luis, no, sadly, the spot on the edge of the blade is not discoloration but a spot-hole !!! 2,5 mm large... I'll post closer pictures of the blade especially this area. Kind regards

I bought this old blade ( In really, really bad conditions !!! What have they done before...) Do you think a specialist can save it and polish/sharp it again ? If yes, do you think this blade ''deserve'' the price of such a titanic work ?... What do you think of the habaki decoration ? Kind regards

Now correct pictures ! Still Big Thanks !!!