Fachikashira with an elite samurai theme

[seattle1]

Hello:

Yesterday Aoi posted a new item for their auction sale, AF14596, a F/K identified as showing abumi, and claiming a well done depiction of same. The subject of course is ashikawa, known in the west as jesses, and they only have the slightest look of abumi. Those are the leg bindings for hawks used for hunting. That was a pass time of the samurai elite and is a very unusual, dare I say rare, item to be seen on any tosogu item.

Arnold F.

[cabowen]

Indeed! Thanks for the posting....

 

I came across an injured red tailed hawk along my driveway a few years ago and took it to a raptor rehabilitation center. Amazing creatures...

[Geraint]

Hi Arnold.

 

I have seen a few menuki depicting these over the years but can't recall other fittings.

 

In fact, http://www.aoijapan.com/menuki-mumeiunsigned-harness Got the makings of a set here.

 

All the best

[Brian]

http://www.aoijapan.com/fuchi-kashira-m ... umi-design

 

Brian

[seattle1]

Hello:

Thanks for adding that Brian. It really makes one wonder whose hand is at the helm when it comes to some of the write-ups? I had called it to their attention yesterday, and with no change this AM, I thought they were worth pointing out. They don't seem to be of the highest quality, forgetting of course "The abumi pattern is drawn well", but at least in my experience the design appears very well done, hardly common, and of interest perhaps to NMB readers.

Arnold F.