Chishiki

Hi. A very large iron tsuba I have affectionately names ‘the dinner plate’ due to it’s size. Really attractive piece with an interesting theme in excellent condition. Signed. It measures 11.6cm x 10.2cm x 3.1mm. The theme is a samurai meeting with two kappa by the waters edge. May be some Japanese fable or folklore. Comes in a custom made tsuba box. It makes a great display piece when on a stand. 650usd

It was a photo I shared. I don’t zero interest in this otherwise. What I did learn though is that you seem downright rude. Please sign your name to your posts so we know who you are as we know what you are. Mark

Hi. This book is on yahoo at the moment. Mark

. You are right Uwe, recently purchased online. I see what Andy says that it may be a repurposed Chochin kabuto but I think it is ubu, made in the style it is today. I have bought an endoscope and once i figure out how to use it i will try to look inside but the liner is a bit frail and i can’t force it. Mark

Andy. You have a good point. I have bought and endoscope and will try and get look internally. It seems to have been made in its persent form but i will investigate further. Mark

And before we get a reply from the music buffs, I’ll beat you to it.

Hi, that idea came up but close examination says this is in its original form. Mark

Hi. Just wanted to share this unusual looking kabuto with the members here. Ian Bottomley kindly told me through a PM it is kaga work. Does anyone have further information or a similar example they can share with me. Thanks. Mark

Hi.. Thanks for the input. Here is the catalog decription wirh price realised. There were a lot of nice items in the auction from around the world. 3 x teppo sold for seemingly low prices. Mark

Hi. This hachi was just auctioned in the UK and I would have loved to buy it if it was genuine. There lies the problem. Is it Japanese? And is it genuine, if so how is it old? Thanks. Mark

Hi Alan, thanks for the compliment. Our association with the Art Gallery of NSW and NGV has been very fulfilling. Not sure when/if things will happen again. Interesting that the Samurai arms and armour have been the most popular exhibits over the years. They should do it again while us old time collectors are still around.......and sane. Will keep in touch with you. Mark

Thank you very much and kind regards. Mark

Hi. Seeking help with the first two kanji (provonce?) of the mei of this Sukenobu. Much appreciated. Mark

I didn’t know the Hyotan was connected to Hideyoshi. I wonder why......

Hi. Another favourite. Not sure what this would say about the wearer. Click on the image. Mark

I dance better after a few drinks.

Hi. Here is my personal favourite maedate. An Edo period sake gourd. If a maedate relects the personality of the wearer, this is my kind of man. Mark

Hi Mauro, thank you very much for translating the paper. I cannot find anything about this maker as Naganao, maybe he was a swordsmith or is an unknown maker. It is a small collecting world. I hope it is nice when I receive it. Regards Mark

Hi. I am trying to find information on this tsuba signed naganao saku or does it read eisho saku? It measures 8.7 x 8.3 x 5.5. There is a hozon paper confirming the mei but I cannot read the rest of the attribution. Any help to identify the maker or school would be greatly appreciated. Mark

Hi Ian, here are some pics of the chain mail belt. Interestingly it has a pocket that would have had a draw string, perfect for keeping valuables such as gold/silver. A money belt of sorts. Mark

Hi Ian. I have this koshiate that bought a few years back. Rarely seen these days. Mark

Thanks John. Does the hozon paper give any info? Thanks Mark

Hi Ian. That is exactly what it is. It didn’t come with that armour, it was a separate purchase about 4 or 5 years ago. I haven’t seen another one since. They make a lot of sense for protecting a vulnerable area and the construction of mine has some interesting points such being able to store things inside. I will take some pics for you tomorrow. I don’t know why they are not seen much, I suppose they were and are overlooked as being not important. I bought mine on ebay from a Japanese seller. Thanks for the compliment Mark

Thanks Chris. Attached is photo of rhe same armour set up in an art gallery. I like it too. Mark

Hi. I read the mei as Naganao, but that sounds odd. Is it read some other way? Also is there an attribution of school or group on the hozon paper? Thanks. Mark