Iekatsu

You guys need to follow the example set by the sword guys and be much more thorough in your analysis. There are many significant Indiscrepancies in this "set", a reason why it is as important to study, just as it is when buying Nihonto. While Ian pointed out that a band of leather can used to attach the yodare Kake to a mask, which is true, it should be pointed out that it is more commonly the sign of miss matched Yodare kake, the proof of which in this example is in the construction. If the Yodare kake belonged to this particular Me No Shita it would either be laced in Sugake, as it was intended or the leather band would match the construction of the rest of the armour. In The backing fabric is seen no where else on the armour, there is no Sasaheri (edging) or Jabara/Fusegumi (piping) like on other components of the armour. The Iyeji (foundation fabric) is inconsistent across the board, differing in almost every component of the Sangu, The Egawa, Sasaheri and Jabara/Fusegumi is inconsistant across the board and the kikko does not match. The decorative metal fittings on the armour are inconsistent in style and construction across the entire set. The lacquering is inconsistent, Some gold over a red base, some gold over and black base. More could be said with more precise images.

Will the display still be open in September, around Shinsa?

Eric makes some very good points in his last few posts and for the most part I agree with him. The above example however is not a true matching set, the Suneate are mismatched and there have also been several repairs/additions made, including miss matched Egawa on the Fukigaeshi, the addition or replacement of one of the rings on the chest as well as other inconsistencies.

PM sent.

I believe this is the armour Mr Bottomley speaks of, a personal favorite of mine.

I am sure the definition of "high end" differs from person to person, but I would be interested to hear both of your opinions as to why the the second armour pictured does not qualify as a high end piece, perhaps post some examples of armour you consider high end for comparison?

It should be noted that the two "Somen" at the start of this thread have no original components, the lover halves being modern reproductions resembling Nara style Ressei Me No Shita. I have posted an example below for comparison (fig.1). The tell tale signs are the machine pressed features, thinness of the plate, cuts to aid in the forming of the nose section and the Ori-kugi created from bent round stock. Also pictured is an example that found its way into the Galeno collection (fig.2), a comparison of the two with the above in mind reveals it as a fake also. This is a good example of how items can be modified or dressed up to deceive collectors. Fig.1 Fig.2 Roy, That Hachi is superb.

Mr Bottomley, I see your armour in 'Arms and Armour of the Samurai" and agree that they are very similar and likely of the same workshop, the Yokohagi Okegawa Dou in particular. I agree that Nakahachiman Yoshikazu likely finished the armours in his own workshop, being a fief employed armourer he likely had the resources to do so. To further the point there exists an armour from the possessions of Hachisuka Narihiro by Nakahachiman Yoshikazu in which the Menpo, Nodowa, Kote and Suneate are all signed. I also have reason to believe that Nakahachiman Takeyasu worked in the same workshop. Below is an image of the back of the Nodowa in my possession, which seems to feature the Sakura gawa you mentioned above. I will be sure to look for the mentioned features and take some photos of the armour for you if I make it to the viewing.

Thank you very much Mr Bottomley, I will have to make my way to the sale. The armour by Nakahachiman Yoshikazu you mentioned is very interesting, I have a Nodowa by Nakahachiman Takeyasu (1838). If it is not to much trouble I would love to see an image of the armour in your collection. http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.s ... 1139-2.jpg

http://www.chait.com/asp/fullcatalogue.asp?t=376250&salelot=IFA1006++285+& This one should work.

Thank you Mr Bottomley.

Sorry to interrupt, but which Australian sale are you speaking of Mr Bottomley?

Thank you all for the information and opinions. Mr Turner, your kagamishi tsuba is what sparked my initial interest in this particular variety of tsuba, yours is an excellent example. All the best,

Shape: Maru Gata Mimi: Dote Mimi 2mm at Seppadai 4.5mm at Mimi. H 68mm W 68mm The yamagane or bronze plate appears to have been cast and has a deep brown patina. There is remnants of black Urushi in the recesses of the plate. The Hitsu-ana are rather crude and appear to have to have been added later. The design looks be be floral in nature (perhaps incorporating mon?). Sorry about the poor photographs, any thoughts or attributions would be appreciated.

Thank you for the heads up Paul.

I agree entirely with Mariusz.

Not authentic in my opinion.

In a similar situation, I am looking for collector groups in the Melbourne area and would appreciate any information or contact details. - Tom