Matsunoki

🙂

Never seen any miniature inro before. You found all those in Japan Piers? Never crossed paths with Sydney Moss &Co…..bit strange looking back, they had a reputation for being a bit “exclusive” I think so I never ventured in!!! Wood has a different appeal to ivory and I think is wonderfully suited to subjects like monkeys and rats and tigers. Antler if used cleverly can yield some really lovely “off the wall” works again with a totally different vibe. To me that’s the magic of netsuke….wide range of materials and subjects….and subtleties. They express, more than anything else, the intangible/undefinable Japanese aesthetic. (Imo🙂) Maybe I should start collecting again?🙂?

Too true…… https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22532/lot/13/shibata-zeshin-1807-1891-inro-medicine-case-with-butterbur-design-meiji-era-1868-1912-circa-1877-2/ https://www.bonhams.com/auction/19548/lot/316/a-fine-single-case-lacquer-inro-by-shibata-zeshin-1807-1891-meiji-period/ https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20189/lot/261/a-silver-lacquer-four-case-inro-by-koma-kansai-after-a-design-by-sakai-hoitsu-19th-century/

Indeed Piers, I can understand your joy! Charming objects with an appeal all of their own and without doubt the rarest of all netsuke types. But, as you say, their rarity is not reflected in the cost of acquisition. That makes a refreshing change within the Japanese Art market. What an excellent niche to search for without fearing for the health of our wallets. Trouble is they seem to be rather elusive…..but at least they haven’t been banned. My auto alarm will go off if I so much as smell one! Happy hunting

Thanks Jean. OK, it’s modern and maybe it took a bit more hammering etc back in the Samurai era but nonetheless, a lot of skill goes into these modern suits and let’s face it if you just want a flashy display item…..perfect.

Well, this has all opened up a whole new angle on netsuke! Can’t quite believe I had missed a whole separate category but no ceramic netsuke had ever crossed my path. An interesting subject and I will enjoy reading the book that Pietro has linked. Thanks Piers, thanks Pietro.

Your painting is Japanese, most likely late Taisho or Showa and squarely aimed at the souvenir market. The scene is a typical idealised tranquil depiction of a village with a Torii and pagoda hidden in the trees. Such artwork was produced in large quantities but due to their fragility, most have fallen to pieces or faded out by now. Yours looks in good shape.

Ford was a magician. His knowledge on restoration, re-patination etc was unequalled. He restored many pieces for me that I would never have entrusted to anyone else nor would I have dreamed of tackling them myself. It isn’t just the “cleaning” you need to undertake, it’s the putting it right when it goes wrong……and it will go wrong. Ford had all of that knowledge. I am aware of just one other person whose workshop is fully capable.

Charlie….simple….don’t clean it. It is so easy to ruin the appearance of just about anything that involves silver or any of the alloys (shibuichi, shakudo etc). Subtle age patina is an important factor that should not be disturbed. Cleaning is also likely to have drastic effects on the financial value (as well as the aesthetic value)

@PNSSHOGUN @Bugyotsuji @Nobody @Bruce Pennington Many thanks, no wonder I get confused with these Gunto Mei! Much appreciated. C.

Firstly I apologise for the fragmented images. The sword is not mine and the images are from a friend who has requested assistance. My translation abilities are lacking especially with these “chippy” gunto kanji….so….please can anyone help me out? Many thanks in advance and again, apologies. All the best. Colin

Ron, that looks horrible. Personally I would walk away whether it’s on the other side or not.

I vote for this as the most entertaining thread for quite a while, even better than the one about cast ts…..🙂

It gets better and better. I haven’t smiled so much for this long in a while. PLEASE do tell us what the NBTHK say….we are holding our breath!

This thread is better than anything on the telly at the moment. Definitely a troll. As far as I know there wasn’t a Japanese Emperor Fujiwara.

I think we have a troll….. It takes a few seconds to look at Oxford Archaeology and realise they are archaeologists ie they dig holes in the ground and research/appraise historic sites and buildings. They don’t issue these appraisal certificates. It’s as fake as the “sword”.

If you do not believe what you have been told then contact the NBTHK in Japan. The leading authority on Japanese Sword authentication. Send them some images…..they will enjoy a good laugh. This is utter nonsense and an elaborate fake.

I was about to really let rip…..but decided a glass of wine was a better idea. Talk about a government in total utter chaos. Glug, cheers!

Living here is getting (even more) embarrassing.

Is the book available Piers

I love stories like this. The thrill of the chase. Good luck Lewis, hope it comes good.

Can Torokusho be faked?….maybe for the purpose of selling it? Again just a genuine question because it’s a subject I know nothing about. I’d have bet (very) heavily on it being “wrong”!

I’m not trying to be smart, this is a genuine question……does it being in Japan with a Torokushi prove its not a fake?

The theme is a Japanese “version” of the classic Chinese subject of scholars/immortals etc gazing at a wonderful often mountainous landscape. Various interpretations linked to a yearning for immortality, wonder at the beauty of nature, desire for man and nature to live in harmony…..that sort of thing. A waterfall is often included (but not here) They can often be accompanied by a young male attendant (as here) …….presumably carrying their wine and packed lunch🙂

Anyone else wonder if those fancy hitsu are later “enlargements”. They do seem to cut into the design somewhat?