Ian

https://www.mandarinmansion.com/glossary/wari-kogai https://www.mokumeganeya.com/e/japanstyle/2019/11/15/wari-kogai/ https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/25292-usability-of-kogai/

It is my understanding that it was never intended as a hair pin, but more of tool for the Chonmage style of hair that needed to be slicked back neatly and impossible to do with just their hands only!? As the hairstyle was also a status symbol, I guess it was useful for scratching your head without disturbing your quaff

I have made it a rule for myself never to think I have seen it all with Japanese art. Here is a pre Edo kogai recycled into a one piece kozuka/kogatana. The non decorative end seems to have been flattened down and made to look like a blade and it's surprising ridged and sharp, but can't imagine it cutting much! The ear wax remover has been taken off completely, I guess to have more of a kozuka look to it. I do wonder why this was all done, maybe sentimental to the owner at the time? We can all romanticise about the samurai going to battle ect, but the koshirae was like a Swiss army knife of the time, carrying the essential tools for grooming too!?

Mounted on one of my katana. Quite similar!?

He called me to explain that he hadn't read his messages. Sorry

I had already put my name to it on Facebook. Sorry to disappoint

There are a few factors to take into consideration now. If the item flys into Stansted airport (used by FedEx etc) then there always seems to be issues due to the lack of training by border force. They also now want a date of manufacture rather than “over 100 years” and this is for their form. Always put the correct amount and description as some people in the past have written car parts, golf clubs etc. This over time has made them extra cautious, at the end of the day, they just want the VAT. Letting them know in advance will greatly help and keeping your cool when something goes tits up in paramount, as they don’t respond well to anger. There are several Token society committee members here and asking advice before you ship is also a good idea as we send swords for shinsa etc. There are less frequent problems when receiving a sword from Japan than the USA, as they are unsure of edged weapons being sold there, especially from eBay. Please don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just stating what I have learned over many years of helping people bring swords in and none have had a problem so far. Ian

Just to add

I don’t think so. edandemm@aol.com Best wishes Ian

He is about still

The emblem of Brighton, they are everywhere!

I would advise to join the Token Society of great britain and attend some of our meetings (zoom and a few physical meetings atm) https://to-ken.uk/aboutus/membership.html Best Ian

Kaneshige (Kotetsu’s teacher)?