watsonmil

Dear John, I personally have not seen a Bizen which I could definitively say was cast, .... I have seen several Bizen which I can say were definitely NOT cast. Fortunately the better Tanegashima were invariably signed (exceptions do exist ). As far as identifying smiths, unlike swords I feel there are few Gimei ( again I am sure exceptions exist ), ... but in comparison to swords . You know what would really help and advance the study of the Tanegashima would be for someone to translate the known Japanese Tanegashima signatures into English along with their working dates, school, etc. A signature book exists, ... but only in Japanese and that needs a thorough update and revision I understand. ..... A project for Piers :D ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, Although I can find no SPECIFIC drawing of the necessary tools used by the Japanese, ( except the words hand cut ), ... I suspect a tappered TAP was made using files giving the rate, depth and pitch of the necessary screw thread. This tool would then be tempered ( to harden it ) and hand screwed into the barrel giving the female cut. A rod of slightly larger diameter would then be made using files with the tap as a model for rate, depth and pitch giving the male or Bizen screw. Most Bizens do not fit well and often required a thin sheet of lead or brass fitted around the bizen screws and upon threading into the female threads compressed to cause a tight fit. ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, Carlo, Indeed, ... credit where credit is due ... Carlo my apologies. I think you get the winning point. ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, Very observant of you, .... indeed the taper of the barrel is reversed for this to have been an un-modified bizen / barrel. Although I still am of the opinion that it has been made from a pre-existing gun barrel, the maker would have to have threaded the muzzle end to accept a modified bizen. Not out of the question but certainly odd, and time consuming in that he could have heat forged a suitable hook rather than cut new threads to fit a modified bizen. I am wondering if there at one time was there more than ONE modified end ( note the hole drilled horizontal to anchor the tip. It is again speculation, but if there was more than one style of tip to this jutte / tobikuchi this would possibly answer this conundrum of the threaded end. ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, Although speculation, ... it is never the less plausible. In the example which originated this thread, ... I have no doubt that the item was a jutte in spite of debate. In your pictured example, .... I again have no personal doubt, but that it is a jutte also. ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, My opinion is that it is a gun barrel shortened and modified to become a jutte / tobikuchi ( more jutte than tobikuchi ). Note the treaded end .... looks to be a breachplug ( bizen ). Another case of recycing ? An interestng item. ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, Most interesting, .... I purchased my coins individually perhaps over a period of 3-4 years the latest being probably 5 years ago. Mine were purchased from various dealers in International coins. I made up the display myself using a picture of a woodblock print ( old auction catalogue ) and a Faux bamboo frame I found at a garage sale, ... but which I thought ideal. Now having seen your Fake Coins, I am wondering if any of mine too are copies ( I'm not a coin collector ). Mine were purchased to exemplify the coinage of Japan of the Edo period. I never even considered that any might be copies, .... but given the Oriental penchant for faking/copying .... it might well be the case. Sadly I have no access to a specialist in this field, .... so I am at a disadvantage in comparison to your position. Hmmm, ... Thank you for bringing this information to light. ... Ron Watson

Dear Hilik, Given my recent ability to identify characters in Japanese History/Legend, ....... I feel only confident in saying whom she is not. She is not Florence Nightingale nor Lili Marleen ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Moriyama, You make a far more convincing argument than I, .... in fact I must in this instance admit complete and utter defeat ( not that easy for me ). I was allowing for artistic license in the depiction, ... but I agree there are just too many discrepencies. I always look at Japanese themes ( art ) as having either natural, historic and/or legendary foundation. It is good to be set upon with concrete argument and I cannot further argue my interpretation in this case. May I be your Benkei ... Ron Watson

Dear all, The subject of Japanese coinage is somewhat off subject to the study of Nihonto, but closely related to the artifacts of the Samurai. I attach a photo of a few Edo period coinage. Now if I could only find that elusive gold oban starting at 0.99 ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Hilik, Chris, Oh, ... they are very much Japanese and still fairly common although Vestas ( match safe's ) were made in a variety of shapes, themes and material, ... examples of Japanese origin are not terribly rare YET. There is actually a very good article on them in : ARTS OF ASIA ( Sept-Oct issue 1986 page's 142, 143 ). I have a couple in my collection of Japanese artifacts. By the way, .... the reverse side of your original posting ( photo of Match safe ) confirms my conclusion that this is the Yoshitsune - Benkei theme in that it depicts Benkei the mischievious " youth thief " awaiting his victim at the Gojo Bridge. You have two very nice Vestas there my friend. ... Ron Watson

Dear Hilik, I would have to disagree with Mr. Moriyama, ... and state that I believe this is quite likely an interpretation of Yoshitsune and Benkei on Gojo Bridge. Although Benkei is normally depicted carrying a Naginata, .... upon reading a rather long account of the historical and/or legendary life of Yoshitsune and a section devoted to the relationship between Benkei and Yoshitsune and therein giving an account of their confrontation on Gojo Bridge, ... there is no mention in the account that I read of the famous Naginata but rather .... " Benkei drew his sword and there was a fight in which Yoshitsune was the victor, Bekei thus having to go on his way with a warning against his evil practices instead of the thousandth sword that he expected. " .... It may actually be a more accurate depiction of Yoshitsune and Benkei on this particular occasion than one normally views in Japanese Art. I can recall no other famous legend that this might otherwise represent especially given the combat is depicted upon a bridge, I think it too coincidental to be just an armed disagreement without meaning. It is most likely the artists interpretation of the confrontation as he had read or had related to him. ... Ron Watson

Imaginitive & Fantasy ?? ...Ron Watson

Dear Peter, Barry, et al, After looking at Barry's example, I cannot but note the similarities in style between the example Peter indicates, and the example Barry states as being of probable Ainu origin. Note the use of plain wood, bone, and rattan. The similarities are to me at least striking. I also note Barry's example houses a blade of dubious quality ( or at least well worn ). Note also the quality of inlay and etching, .... not what one would expect of a "special order ", .... rustic or not. I also doubt the theory that it may be for a Kiseru, ... or for storage of medicines, papers, or anything other than a blade , .... of poor quality or faux. I would still lean towards Meiji Tourist, ... quite possibly made by the Ainu. See article : http://oldphotosjapan.com/photos/648/ainu-carving-wood It would appear the Ainu were at this time making carvings and trinkets for the Tourist Trade to supplement their normal income and way of life because of repressive Japanese laws. I cannot for the life of me see the quality nor exactness of Japanese craftmanship in either of these two pieces. It has also been stated that this type of Koshira does not appear in any published works on Japanese Koshira, .... quite understandable since it may well NOT be traditional Japanese in the sense we think of Japanese craftmanship, but rather of the indigenous peoples of the north. I would re-interate however that it has a "tourist " look to it even if it has some artistic appeal ? I see no great difference in the time it would require to carve these composite Koshira, vis a vis the carving of complete bone koshira ( some quite elaborate ) but never-the-less agreed upon that MOST were done for the European tourist and NOT for the domestic market. ... Ron Watson

Dear Peter, My feeling is Meiji era tourist. If for the Japanese market : This is the type of Koshira that only a Japanese Pimp would flash. Certainly not a merchant or heaven forbid a true Samurai unless he was trying to make the statement that the Country had gone to hell in a handbasket. ... Ron Watson

Grey, I do believe it was an attempt albeit silly attempt at humour. ... Ron Watson

Dear NMB members, .... The Western US and Canada are among the last to welcome in the New Year. As I write these few words it is 2:30 PM here in the middle of the Continent of North America. Much of the world has already entered 2011. I would like to extend my very best wishes ( hope ) .. that we experience a good deal more Peace on our planet, ... a good deal less Disease and Hunger, reasonable Wealth and Prosperity, A return to normalacy in our Weather, more Understanding of each others Cultures and Acceptances of Others different values. Mostly may we all experience LESS GOVERNMENT in our respective lives. Happy New Year, ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, Tell me, ... are your headaches getting worse, ... any double vision, ... have you been getting adequate rest ??? ... Ron Watson

Dear Ford, Very informative, beautifully executed, ... and simply a privilage to watch. I'm presently working on duplicating a Serpentine for a Matchlock, .... and although technically not nearly so demanding difficult enough for an amateur like myself. The one major difficulty is for people ( customers ) to realize the time and labour involved, .... and it is therefore difficult to make any profit by taking on these commissions. It is in my case at least the satisfaction I derive by repairing these old Tanegashima and seeing the delight when the others excepting the owner cannot find the replacement part. Would I aspire to the heighths you have taken your craft/profession. Thank you for this wonderful glimpse of your Life and Art. ... Ron Watson PS> My wife was as enthralled as I.

Dear Louis, Thanks for posting, ... Glad to see you enjoyed yourself. After having being in the Antiques Weapons/Militaria business for most of my life, one gets to chuckle at these so called ... Antique Treasure in the Attic type programs. Sadly looking at some of the Web Sites devoted to the business I see all too often that the proprieters have taken this priceless nonsence to heart. Regarding the second photo, ... I'd best not comment for fear of waking up the " Politically Correct ", ... other than to say I wish I'd of been along ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Brian, As I have an interest in Yari and Yanone, ... I look forward to seeing a photo. It is not unusual to not find a hamon on yari, yanone. They were as often overall tempered. Some better quality examples do have a hamon, ... but just as many or more if in polish bear a kesho painted in fake hamon. This sadly is all too common. ... Ron Watson

Alan, I assume you mean the entire yari including tang is 4 1/2 inches ?? , or are you refering just to the blade length ?? I have a few yari, ... the shortest blade on a jumonji yari that I have is 5 inches ( blade length only ). Having said that, ... I DO HAVE a jumonji yari with an OA length of about 4 1/2 inches made of steel which is mounted on a pole about 15 inches long and part of a very high quality Meiji era Boys Festival Doll. The yari is so good at first glance you would think that the doll maker used a real yari head. It would be helpful if you could post a photo or two, ... although I shouldn't talk as I do not have a digital camera and therefore rely on my son to do photos and he lives 100 miles away . ... Ron Watson

Keith, " No Dachi perhaps? ", .... Yes Dachi and a VERY big one ! :D Sorry I couldn't resist ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Chuck, Robert S. , Keith et al, The answer I think to the question of " Bones " , can be summed up by reading the answer given in this article. It is as good an answer as one might find and rather than me plagerize, or pharaphrase it, ... just read the well written document : http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index ... 808AAUJAhN ... Ron Watson

Dear Justin, You will most likely find it quite difficult to find a Kogai to match the design perfectly. You will note however that behind the Sode is a Yumi ( bow ), .... therefore a Kogai with either a Bow, or a Sode, ... or possibly another item of either armour or weaponry might look pretty fair. Just a thought for what it's worth .... ... Ron Watson