Help on a kiseru

[Bernard]

Hello everybody,

As you know, I have had the privilege to make several posts on the tosogu topic, where I have received fast, kind and highly informative replies from NMB members.

I have moved to the general Japanese discussion for the present post, as it has no direct link with tosogu.

The pics are of a silver kiseru. It features vagues and it bears an inscription, probably a signature (mei ? gimei ?). Can you identify it ? What do you think of the craftmanship ? Regards

Bernard D

[watsonmil]

Dear Bernard,

I too am a collector of Kiseru and accompanying accoutrements and I can assure you that the Kiseru you picture is very high quality. Assuming ( not much doubt ) that it is silver, ... the wave theme is well rendered. Someone else will render a reading of the Kanji. It is without doubt the maker's name.

One does not see many elaborately carved Kiseru until after the banning of sword in 1871. At this time the tosogu-shi being out of work making sword fittings turned their attention to the craftsmanship of fine Kiseru, tobacco pouch clasps (kanagu ). The Meiji ended the sumptuous laws regulating the use of silver and gold, ... consequently many fine Kiseru were created during this period. Thank you for the photograph.

... Ron Watson

[Bernard]

Thank you so much for these very interesting informations, dear Ron.

As you collect Japanese pipes, I join two pics of my second kiseru, a more ordinary one, but nevertheless good quality. Sorry for the poor quality of these pics (this one was specially difficult to photograph).

Best regards.

Bernard D

[watsonmil]

Dear Bernard,

Another excellent kiseru. Where in the world are you coming up with these ? This last example although much more subdued than the first is never the less very tastefully done. Again thank you !

... Ron Watson

[Bugyotsuji]

Hello, your very elaborately worked kiseru is signed 大森作 Ohmori Saku, ie "Made by Ohmori". (Oh is a relatively longer sound)

[Bugyotsuji]

Vagues is "waves" in English. Ohmori were famous for their amazing waves on fuchi and kashira.

[Bernard]

Dear Ron and Piers, thank you very much for your comments and informations.

Best greetings from Switzerland.

Bernard D