Baka Gaijin

Again you come up with the goods!!!!!! Here's our chap at his best: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21840/lot/302/ One cannot but think what manner of items would he have worked upon had he been active pre - Meiji

A brilliant and atmospheric reply Old Bean!!! Curiously, the Sanju Workshop also used a stylised turtle seal on more grander pieces. Thank you

An opinion would be welcome on this unusual Arts & Crafts enamelled spoon by the Sanju Workshop in Yokohama c.1880 Is it the place name? If so, why Katakana? カ Ka メ Me 井 sei ?

Just to add a bit of information to SteveM. By the late 19th early 20th Century, items in the style of those originally produced in the former fiefdom of the Satsuma were being made in kilns all over Japan. The Hattori were based in Yokohama, so it was an easy process to supply the Western buyers, and ship it without inconvenience.

Good afternoon Gentlemen, It may be a coincidence, but when the US Forces occupied Tokyo, (1945 - 1952), the Officers' Recreation Centre was based for some time in the former Imperial Naval Officers Club (Suikosha) situated on the Grounds of the old Hisamitsu Daimyo Residence in Minato - Ku. It was a 12 minute walk to the area where the current premises of Japan Sword Company are situated, they were known to have produced "Tourist" items using former Military style mounts.

Good evening Oyabun, I reckon the Kamon is intentionally patinated black Silver, because the metal looks to have an even lustre, and the black marks are something else more carbon related. What say You, Piers Old Bean? Nice Find BTW

Good afternoon Gentlemen, The Expression is similar to that of some of the warrior masks used in Bugaku. https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=1661&lang=en

Good morning Gentlemen, Please look carefully at the support for the right foot. Looks like a lead based solder.

Good morning Gareth, An interesting attribution to the Ono Ha Itto Ryu. This should fill in the gaps about this fine tradition, which was founded in 1580 by Ono Jiroemon Tadaaki (1565 - 1628), a Monjin (Disciple) of Itto Ittosai Kagehisa (1560 - 1653). It is however not the oldest school, as there are other systems still in existence which pre date it by a Century or so. https://budojapan.com/feature-articles/ono-ha-itto-ryu-yuji-yabuki-kiriotoshi/ Here's how they train: The resounding clash of the blades at the end of the section is from the use of "Habiki" katana, (real steel with no cutting edge), not Duramilium "Mogi-to" which are often used in Kendo no Kata.

Hi Bruce, a Tousu 刀子 is a term for a small knife. Letter opener is a good call. Try searching with the elongated o - Hence Tousu https://www.japandict.com/刀子

Thank you Moriyama San. Once again your expertise comes to the rescue. Very much appreciated

I would appreciate an opinion on this brand name on a cigar case

The following is a bit stage style, but should give you the general idea of how Tachi are worn: This is not real Armour, but modern repro.

You have to go a long way to top this image by Kuniyoshi: https://www.vandaimages.com/2006BD0836-Sanjo-Munechika-forging-the-famous-blade-little.html

Hardly a Wizard....... Merely a Minor Elf........ Jean hit it on the head with the Ogata Gekko Here's a sundry selection of swordsmith prints: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/24549/the-swordsmith-munechika-and-the-god-of-inari https://ukiyo-e.org/image/japancoll/p175-kogyo-kokaji--the-swordsmith-10171 https://ukiyo-e.org/image/artelino/43542g1 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/60025319 https://ukiyo-e.org/image/harashobo/16121_3#&gid=1&pid=1 However, if you wish to purchase an Ogata Gekko print, try Hara Shobo: https://www.harashobo.com/english/