Brushwork Mei In A Netsuke

[Bugyotsuji]

The first character is especially problematical for me. Or is it two characters? 山 plus something eg 山塚, or a single character with 山 on the top?

 

Then I get Gyoku?sui 玉(?) 水, then 村 and finally a Kao 花押.

 

Any help appreciated!

[John A Stuart]

A few choices, but, maybe 峩 , 'gaga' to me. How these script can be read is an high art. You know who we need, eh? John

[Bugyotsuji]

Don't I wish!!!

[TETSUGENDO]

Piers,

 

 

Interesting.  Manju?    Would you please post some pictures of the exterior of the piece.

 

 

Steven K

[Bugyotsuji]

Hi Steven, it's just a plain ivory hollow torus/donut.

[k morita]

Hi,

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Morita San, fantastic. Thank you so much! One day it would be a pleasure to meet you in person to say thanks for all your help over the years. Piers

[Bugyotsuji]

吉兵衛　（よしべえ）　住居末詳

http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~mystudy/kikite/bunken/souken/soukenyaku.htm

 

I wonder if it could be 吉兵へ or 吉兵エ

[John A Stuart]

Yes, I still can't believe that some of these smudges of characters can be deciphered.  Amazed as always. John

[Jean]

Amazing as usual, Morita sama

[Bugyotsuji]

Manju, yes. Just for Steven...

[TETSUGENDO]

Thank you Piers,

 

It's a nice example of the type - good and plump, fine color, and the condition is well above average.  In addition, the inscription certainly adds interest.

 

Cheers,

Steven K

[Bugyotsuji]

Many thanks for the encouraging words, Steven.

[Bugyotsuji]

Morita San, someone contacted me and suggested that 飾や might be 綿也, making 山城国水主(綿也)吉兵へ+花押... Do you think this is possible?