Chishiki

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

Hi John. If you find that info again I would appreciate it if you could send me a link or where it may be found. Mark

Thanks Chris.

Hi Uwe. I agree it’s an unusual arrangement. I don’t think in this case it was to do with archery etc, particularly with such a wide shikoro. I think this was always a kabuto for show. It may have been the fukigueshi were detachable to simply change style/designs. It would certainly would have looked impressive with grand wakidate. Attached is a photo of a helmet by the same maker which was in a previous Bonhams sale. Mark

Thanks Uwe. I assume the posts were for folding fukigueshi. ..... i would appreciate any comments you can give me. Mark

Hi Uwe. Just took some pics for you. Fukigueshi not attached. Mark

Thank you gentlemen. That’s great. Mark

Hi. I am trying to work out the mei of this momonari kabuto. It was really hard to get access and I had to take a photo of the camera screen as I don’t have a card reader. I hope someone can help. Regards Mark

Thank you gentlemen. Mark

Hi folks. Does Hataya have a website or can someone here please give me their address. Thanks. Mark

That is really interesting Ian. Thanks for the info. I will twke some more pics of it tomorrow. Interestingly it constructed with 6 plates. It is a piece of precision, the work is technically excellent. Shakudo fukerin all around. Mark

Uwe made reference to my Kaga Dou in a previous thread. Here are a couple of pics. Mark

This armour has been boxed and out of sight for months. It feels great to have it in view again. I really dislike handling them as they are fragile things as we all know. Luckily the silk on this one is still sturdy. Always kept away from UV light. Btw I know the mempo isn’t attached correctly, will be redone Mark

Thanks Pietro, much appreciated. Piers get the camera out we are waiting Mark

Thanks Piers. Once you get a pic of your woodblock perhaps you can make a new thread here so we can enjoy it.Mark

Piers thank you for your input. One last question and it’s ok if you don’t or can’t answer. What is the value of woodblocks such as rhis by this man? I tried to do some research but prices seem to vary. Btw.. I really like the facial expression of this samurai. Very solemn, serious and sad, Could you please post a photo of the woodblock of yours. I would love to see it. Mark

Thanks Steve, that’s really interesting. I like the print a lot, although it seems not particularly rare. There is small fine detail and not too colourful and the theme is classic. Thanks again.

Hi. I am interested in this woodblock but all I know is that it is by Yoshitora. Online search revealed he was a prolific artist. But what about this print, who is the Samurai and is this a common theme by the artist? If someone can tell me about this print I would appreciate it very much. Mark

Thanks you Mr. Morita and Steve.

Thanks Steve, much appreciated and great information. Mark

Hi. You are right, probably a prayer but I suspect other information, maybe the name of the shrine etc. This has probably come out of a shrine that has closed down. I think it is early and has the date 1704. An interesting artifact and I think not common to have in private hands. Yes, not a weapon. I have seen Jpanese statues of Budo myo holding them etc. I hope Piers or someone else here can tell me about them. Mark PS. The Yajiri are a matched set if 12, 2x unusual shaped, sukashi and 10x regular, all signed my Hoki Masayuki, circa late 18th I think. I haven’t done any real study into them as yet.