Iekatsu

Ko-Kinko, late Muromachi, original ana.

Paulownia mon are commonly associated with the Toyotomi, but it predates them.

I agree, Ko-Kinko, these tsuba appear to have been mass produced during the late Muromachi-Momoyama period. There a quite a few examples out there, generally they are made of Yamagane, Mokko gata in shape and are stamped with chrysanthemums and/or various other floral motifs. They tended to be lacquered black, remnants of lacquer visible on both the examples above. Good examples of the style.

Sold.

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Price drop. $185 USD + Shipping

Ko-Kinko Kogai, with an Oni theme. Great patina with remnants of black lacquer in reassesses, good condition overall. A description of the theme and a similar example can be seen here: http://www.nihonto.us/DEMON%20KOGAI.htm $250 USD + Shipping

Richard, I was surprised that the colour came out so well, it was just a matter of setting the colour profile to match photoshop. I tested scanning with the lid open to get a black background, but there was significant "macro blocking" around the edges which would have been tricky to correct. After scanning with the lid closed there was limited cleanup to do, I only had to mask the background and adjust the levels in photoshop, thats it. I have attached an image of the original scan for reference. All the best, Thomas

I scanned one of my Tsuba today, this is the final result, I have added a photo for comparison, but the colour is pretty close.

PM sent.

Its unlikely to date before Momoyama/early Edo, Shinchu was an expensive material (mostly imported from china), before Momoyama it is generally only seen in Fukurin and Zogan.

What makes you think Mid-late Edo?

The Hitsu ana could be later additions, they cut through the Nananko, at least cut after the plate was decorated. A nice piece, id say Momoyama/early Edo.

What was attached to the upper section was shown in this thread. What, if anything was attached before that is anyone's guess. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8282&p=67971&hilit=garden#p67971

For anyone interested in armour, the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection catalog is extremely good for the price.

The reality is that armour would only be worn when it was perceived that it would be required. The average samurai in the Edo period was an administrator, not a warrior, most would not personally own or require armour. instances where armour would be required were minimal at best outside of the very early and very late Edo, and generally related to policing. The armour did exist and was used, this is not in question and was likely worn in the ways depicted in the prints, but no where in your examples does it show that such armour would be carried or worn on a daily or even a regular basis. Like all armour of the period it would be stock piled either personally or collectively and pulled out and used when required. Tatami armour was common because it was cheap and because it was and easy to store and cheap to maintain, the amount of protection given was adequate for the tasks it would be required for. Tatami armour of higher quality, like the example posted by Ian is purely a reflection of taste of the person who commissioned it, in a time where it was quite unlikely that the armour would have to be used in combat by its owner, practical aspects of protection and usability generally gave way to the stylistic whims of the person commissioning it (there were of course many practical and serviceable armours produced during the Edo period, but there are just as many that are not). This is not to say that this particular example is impractical as armour but it would not need to be worn very often nor would it likely have to fulfill its defensive role. Tom,

Eric, Which prints are you referring to?

Here is the link. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19253/lot/2281/

If you can post a photo of the Mei and the kabuto we might be able to help you work it out.

be careful with old lists, there is strong evidence that parts of the original Myochin genealogy are fabricated, there being several known inconsistencies. Is there a smith in particular you are looking for?

Hello Justin, Online, not that I know of. The following three books should put you in the right direction though. Shin Katchushi Meikan Sasama Yoshihiko (2000) Japanese Armor Makers For The Samurai Kei Kaneda Chappelear (1987) Japanese Armor, An Illustrated Guide To The Work Of The Myochin And Saotome Families From The 15th To The 20th Century J.L.Anderson (1968)

I too would like to see a Katchu section opened on this forum. best we all stick together.

Do you have any more images of that Uchigatana koshirae Eric? I would love to see them.

Mr Bottomley, You are quite right and I agree with your conclusion. I should have paid more attention to the reverse. The Suneate you have posted interest me quite a lot, I have seen only one other Gusoku with two sets of Suneate featuring different Kikko, not a common feature, but of course one of the first things you learn in the study of Japanese armour is that there are always exceptions to the rules. Do you own the Suneate? Are they part of a complete Gusoku? Anthony, lacing by nature has a limited life span and its replacement was part of necessary maintenance in period.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the study of Japanese armour and agree with Erics sentiments above.