Carved Saya, Maker And Translation

[Ron STL]

The photos are of a very nicely carved saya made of wood, type undetermined. I believe the carving depicts a poem regarding spring, perhaps. The work is also dated and I believe, signed, but I can't seem to pin down reading it. The saya is made different in that it has a place for a kozuka but not a kogatana. The previous owner (from the 1960s days in San Francisco) made a "T" silver piece to hold a kozuka, the "T" end being set in place under the horn piece at the bottom of the kozuka pocket. Very strange. I'd love to get a translation of the poem and of the date and possible maker, if that's what it is. Would guess this is Meiji work and it is very nicely made. It holds a signed and dated sue-koto Sukesada.

Ron STL

[ggil]

I wonder what the recesses in the tree held? Maybe gems that were of value enough to remove?

 

-Grant

[Ron STL]

Interesting thought, Grant. I had to go take a look with a loop, but I can't see any indications of something being set into those depressions, only dust. Being in the trunk of the tree, I just thought those depressions added more depth to the carving. Ron STL

[k morita]

Hi,Ron
A poem on carved saya is Arikoto's poem.[やきたちは、さやにおさめて、ゆうし(ますらお) がこころ、ますますとぐべかりけり]

 

See below link.
http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19259-help-with-inscription-on-blade/?hl=poem

 

And see Markus's book [Nihon-shinshinto-shi - The History of the shinshinto Era of Japanese Swords].

English translation of this poem by Markus Sesko is the best.

Thank you Markus san.

[Ron STL]

Morita san, thank you very much for this interesting information. Could this carving actually contain Arikoto's name? I'll look closer later today when there is more time. Now I'm hoping to learn what was carved on the opposite side of the saya above the kurikata. Ron STL