Baka Gaijin

Close up Omote

Good morning Gentlemen, I have recently acquired an Officer’s sword surrendered in Singapore. It has an unusual metal Mekugi, which I think may be screw threaded. Before I apply gentle persuasion, I wonder if anyone has encountered this type before.

Thank you Colin I'm referring to the tsuba in Glen's post, and the attribution of a Radish to the ura, I've just amended it so that there is no confusion.

Good morning Gentlemen, With reference to Glen's post. The image of Hotei and his sack has long been used to portray a lack of concern for social conventions or material wealth. He is said to have carried his meagre possessions around in a large sack. As such, he became a popular subject for Zen ink painters, who saw him as the personification of non - attachment. The item on the reverse which looks like a radish represents a priest's horsehair sceptre, known as a Hossu, which Hotei has gleefully discarded along with the other attributes of Buddhist dogma.

Much of this intricate carving came from the Canton area, now known as Guangzhou.

Gangi maki perhaps? Sometimes referred to as "Musashi Maki"

Try Shoki and the demon quelling Sword..........................................................

If this is of any assistance, here are the three volumes of the Bunka Bukan 文化武鑑. 巻之1-3 It will be hard going to plough through it. https://archive.wul.waseda.ac.jp/kosho/bunko06/bunko06_01736/bunko06_01736_0001/bunko06_01736_0001.html?fbclid=IwAR0vC2v7ZSMNqi_Lu3FffF8s1OAVXerl7IjRNYu28py0-lbBfVKUlOjM9IY https://archive.wul.waseda.ac.jp/kosho/bunko06/bunko06_01736/bunko06_01736_0002/bunko06_01736_0002.html?fbclid=IwAR3Po5-JTglMRP-mk84How6ewp27egETHHXe5IC2vD_YVPLPinjfrmL-504 https://archive.wul.waseda.ac.jp/kosho/bunko06/bunko06_01736/bunko06_01736_0003/bunko06_01736_0003.html?fbclid=IwAR1FnoNwekBxsqBuX_i6fQ12BuzyrjVB3pMGIK1tX0j5dsVc5IrUL10jdUk

Moriyama San and Piers, Thank you both once again for your invaluable input.

Thank you Piers, Well spotted, the image came to me in this form, with the block visible, however, I don't think it relates to the Kakejiku.

Good morning Gentlemen, A friend has just obtained this charming Kakejiku which looks like it was created in July 1935, Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I couldn't help but think, when I saw the title, that he was the chap next to the Lone Ranger.....

Jon Bluming Jnr in Amsterdam is an excellent restorer.

As an Aside, I've seen more than a few of these medals cobbled on to the Fukigaeshi and Dou of Japanese Armours being sold on the various selling sites. Instant Aristocracy.........

Good Morning Gareth I'll start the ball rolling: The Kamon on the medal (which is an Order of the Rising Sun) and the certificate is called Go San Kiri ( 3 5 3 Paulownia ) There are various levels and grades of the Order of the Rising Sun, I think this is 8th Class. The Kamon on the outer large box is Maru Ni Go San Kiri ( 3 5 3 Paulownia within a Circle ). The scroll is dated April 1st Meiji 39 (1906) The other Kamon on the borders of the certificate are the Imperial Kikumon (Chrysanthemum) and the Imperial Go Shichi Kiri ( 5 7 5 Paulownia ). ( Go Shichi Kiri is now used as the seal of the Prime Minister of Japan ).

Gentlemen, thank you for all the input. Greatly appreciated. For a non traditionally constructed blade it has a wonderful balance. Perhaps made for someone who knew a little more than the Rikugun Gunto Soho which many Officers were trained in https://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/1460369

Thank You Mark

Good Afternoon, An opinion upon this Showa - To signature would be most appreciated.

We have it!!! Thank you so much Moriyama San and Uwe. Still in operation The Workshop is Near Nijo Castle at: 1114 Shuzeicho, Marutamachi, Chiekoin-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8155

Thank you Uwe. There was a maker predating Marutake Sangyo in Early Showa, based in Osaka, I was told their factory was firebombed in 1945 and they never resurfaced as makers. Heian Bu Kyu Saku ? Heian Bunkyu ? I'll do some more digging.

Good morning all, I am researching a Tango no Sekku Armour. I'm wondering if it is pre - war. Would anyone have a suggestion this paper label is on the Haidate:

Gentlemen, Thank you. And well spotted Piers, Obi - Dome it is.

Would anyone have an idea? Its either late Meiji or Taisho

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