uwe

Hi Cerjak, agree with Malcolm about the mon! The kabuto is very nice and quite healthy. Hmm, some ideas about school, but not sure.......don't want to speculate?!

Hi J. Ubaldo, It is a "thrown together" thing. The do is ashigaru grade, not "hara-ate" but "yoko hagi okegawa do"! The rest, as said. On the other hand, 500,-$ are not a fortune and I think is upgradable for low costs. It's in the eye of the beholder, if you like it..........

Hi Cerjak, Momonari kabuto emerged in the late Sengoku period and became widespread during the subsequent decades. The form was kept until the Meiji times. It is said, that the shape derived from an European helmet, the Cabasset or "Birnhelm". But there is no proof so far. Your set might be composit, based on the different lacing. Who knows.... To go deeper into the subject, visit: http://nihon-no-katchu.proboards.com/

Hi Cerjak, It is an so called "Suji bachi kabuto" in, what I think, "heichozan" (high sided, flat on top) shape. The outer surface finish is "tetsu sabiji" (russet iron). Attached is an 5 lame black lacquered (kuro urushi nuri) neck guard (shikoro). It looks a bit loose or sloppy mounted. On top a 5 stage "tehen no kanamono" (ornamental surround) over the "tehen" (hole in the crown of the bowl). Well, from what I can see, it's an "Edo period" piece. Oh, it's getting late......so long! PS: Suji bachi kabuto = multi plate helmet with countersunk rivets and erected flanges on the edge of each vertical plate. The family crest (mon) can be called "maru ni ichi". It depicts the character for 1 in a ring and was in use by several clans. Ha,....beaten by Ian!

I noticed that at our trip in 2013. But thought, that they exist kind of "side by side" and practiced parallel instead mixed up. Thanks for clarifying this Guido!

Wasn`t aware of that Guido. Were Tengu also "stolen" by the Buddhists? ... Seems something is missing for his left hand Chris...?!

Henry, I think we must consider, that Nio guards are related to Buddhism, whereas Oni are part of the Shinto religion. Cool little dude, BTW

Unfortunately true, in many cases!

Hi Erez, my first comment was made based on the condition of the barrel and in no way meant to be insulting. Agree with Brian about the whole venture. Anyway, to loosen the bisen screw will be one of the crucial main points. The mei is hard to see. Maybe you can make it a bit more visible using talcum powder or "oblique light"? Good luck!

Hi Javier, nice "Nara" ressei men from the Edo period. "Haruta" school, as you probably know. Keep it away from direct light (except LED) and try to hold humidity between 45-60% (without extreme temperature jumps). Enjoy! Uwe

Malcolm, it's a shape called "tsure yamamichi". Sometimes seen on kaga armor's, but also on other styles.

I'm not the teppo guy and hope that the experts jump in. Hate to be the "party pooper" but I think you should forget this venture. Sry!

As a side note, the men would be worth the efforts!

Hi Mike, there are some knowledgeable restorers over there in Europe. For example, Dave Thatcher, Robert Soans, Zénon van Damme...etc. They can tell you about the costs for restoration. It is not that often, a quality Muromachi bowl appeared on the market (even if remounted). Everything depends on "your love" and your budget :-) Regards Uwe

Thanks Tom! That leaves me quite curious

I`ll take a invitation for the vernissage Tom

Seems to be "Izumi no Kami Kanehisa". But I'm afraid, that doesn't mean much Marius!

Berlin!

Interesting and incredible nice symbiosis between traditional craftsmanship, modern technology and design. I think the price reflects more the idea then the actual value. PS: I've the feeling, that the tsuka of the katana seems a bit too short.....

Hi Chris, I almost bet a box of "Augustiner" that these two cracks are Hagire. Anyway, I know Zénon quite well, if you have some problems to contact him. Although, for this blade, I would recommend S.Wuttke, situated in Berlin!

I think it's definitely not a mon. Rather a stamp representing one or more kanji. Maybe a manufacturers brand?!

First thought it was a "Noren". But after Eric had a closer look, I agree with Dave and Eric. Nice Hata Rob!

Yes Eric, .....lucky day September Kaei seven (1854). Very late Edo

The mogami do seems to be "Myochin ki no Munekata saku". Late Edo! Struggling with right and middle row.....

Great examples folks. Seems we have some true artists in Europe! I know Zénon's work very well, still have some projects pending