Baka Gaijin

Here is a charming book lodged at the Smithsonian Library: 鍔・鞘図案集 Tsuba, saya zuanshū - Edo period http://library.si.edu/digital-librar...basayazuansh00

This link may be of some interest: http://www.davidrumsey.com/Japan/

Hi Chris, it's the second one from the top: http://www.nihonto-yoroi.com/forum/ Cheers PS Thank you Uwe, I shall now go and write Kuwagata 1000 times in my note book......

Interesting, that where one would expect Inome (Boar's Eye piercing) on the Wakidate (Side Plumes), they are depicted as circles. Also, given the shape and thin construction of the Maedate (Central Badge...), look to be contemporary with the Wakidate which looks like a pressing and I suggest of much much later construction. What do you think Luc, Uwe & Dave?

I wonder if it is signed 中华人民共和国 ?

Or is the price calculated by using the evil volumetric weight table? In which case you may be able to add other items to the package for the same fee. Worth asking perhaps.

Difficult thing to age also. The fact that it's not all "bells & whistles" flashy suggests not originally a deliberate export item, so maybe the Sonno Joi 尊皇攘夷 movement of the 1850's or later on in the Bakumatsu & Restoration? Not 20th century, I think.

Thank you Bill., A bit of useless trivia, Kyoto was originally laid out using principles related to the subjects we are discussing. It is no coincidence that the most inauspicious direction to the North East of Kyoto has a temple situated up in the hills to act as a conduit against potential malign influence from that direction. In a similar vein, if you look straight up from the High Altar in Wells Cathedral, you will see a carving of the Green Man set in the ceiling stonework. A hangback to the syncretic fusion of early Christianity and Paganism...........

Hi Bill, The reverse of the fan represents a star constellation, most likely the one commonly referred to as the big dipper. This appears on many sacred and profane objects and can have a number of interpretations, allegiance to Myōken being one of them. The constellation is also linked to the esoteric practices of Onmyōdō and Shugendō but it is difficult to make any interpretation without knowing what the other side is referring to . Over to you Piers..............

火の用心 !!! Once the popular name for Edo was 火災都市 City of Fires., "Fires and quarrels are the flowers of Edo." That's why they bang Hyoshigi....

How big is it? I was thinking perhaps Kanban for shop display?

Try these: http://www.yamakei.jp/wanokaori/wanokaori.html http://kojitsu-kyo.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2010/01/post-aed4.html http://www.ohtaoilmill.co.jp/product/302/ You might also try emailing Rekihaku or similar in your neck of the woods. http://www.rekihaku.ac.jp/

Hi Alton., I can't quite make out what Kannon is holding in her left hand, is it a lotus bud or lotus blossom?

Good evening all., Regarding the Talismanic aspects of decoration upon Katchu. From my understanding, they were far more subtle and bound up with the particular Ryuha of either the owner, or Han's Oku (Secret, is not quite the term, but close) teachings. Essentially, the real deal would not be so obvious. Dave is on the button with the suggestion that this is a later addition for export. Guido, have you noticed the "Borneo" image you posted, bears an uncanny resemblance to the late, great Walter Matthau.

Here are the Mudra hand positions with English text: http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/mudra-Japan.shtml Looking at the position of both hands it looks to be associated to Amida Nyorai: http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/amida.shtml Amida is sometimes shown with right hand pointing upwards with no thumb to middle finger connection, as shown.

An interesting object in itself. Reminds me of "How to wrap five eggs": https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Wrap-Five-Eggs-Traditional/dp/1590306198

atypical?

Good afternoon Chaps., I agree, it is a working upon the popular theme of Inari Ōkami, the Fox Spirit aiding the swordsmith Munechika to forge Kogitsune maru - Little Fox. It appears in the Noh play Kokaji (The Swordsmith). http://www.the-noh.com/en/plays/data/program_037.html http://www.the-noh.com/en/plays/photostory/ps_037.html Here's a few more takes on the theme in print form: https://ukiyo-e.org/image/mfa/sc156830 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blacksmith_Munechika,_helped_by_a_fox_spirit,_forging_the_blade_Ko-Gitsune_Maru,_by_Ogata_Gekk%C5%8D.jpg https://ukiyo-e.org/image/artelino/45946g1 Also on a Tsuba: https://www.google.co.uk/search?biw=1600&bih=769&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=lRxSWv3eJ8SMgAawmqagCQ&q=the+swordsmith+munechika+forging+little+fox+kuniyoshi&oq=the+swordsmith+munechika+forging+little+fox+kuniyoshi&gs_l=psy-ab.3...170673.174775.0.175414.10.10.0.0.0.0.141.747.8j2.10.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.6_F4vt8pVM8#imgrc=TkJdPSIMwT7xTM: Here, on a Koh Bako Incense Box (However the Met erroneous names the swordsmith Kokaji and miss the link to Munechika): https://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/58339

This may be of interest: https://www.mastermeltgroup.com/wp-content/themes/mastermelt/files/documents/pm/ScrapBuyersGuide/?page=8

Hi Rob., With due respect to NMB and Brian. Your request is very specific, so could I suggest that you please check out the Armour Forum, many of the members here are members there. It's a fantastic resource with thousands of illustrations and articles by luminaries in the field. http://nihonto-yoroi.com/ To view the Forum, you will have to join, which is both free and simple. (I did it, and I am not the brightest button in the box....) Then just post images of your armour and you will be inundated by helpful and friendly advice from acknowledged masters in the field. Pip Pip Cheerio

Eureka!! Grey But not quite that easy in practice I suspect. Archimedes' technique first appeared in practical form in Vitruvius' "De Architectura" Gallileo had some input into the problem of hydrostatic balance quite a few years later. Don't ya just love NMB!!

There is of course the time honoured Hatton Garden Refiners method involving a very large toothed file and various acids. That was a Joke.......... I'll take a crack at the signature: - Mitsu Hito (Kao)

Hi Nick., An XRF tester may be the solution to the question of Karat. There must be a friendly Gold Bullion Dealer somewhere in Montreal.............

Excellent Guido!! I suspect you have done this before