A Single Kanji Or Kao Translation Help Needed. Excellent Piece! More Pics To Come!

[ggil]

I will be uploading more pictures, when the piece arrives in a week or sooner. Thanks in advance for the help. I think folks will like the work on this one!

-Grant

[seattle1]

Hello:

 "Kotobuki" meaning congratulations.

 Arnold F.

[ggil]

Thanks! Interesting. Once I post pictures of the rest, you will understand. I wonder why this word would be put on a koshirea (or rather I wonder what this word would be doing on this wierd of a koshirea)?

-Grant

[seattle1]

Hello Grant:

 That is sometimes seen in a nakago inscription, associated with a gift or recognition of special event or accomplishment. I haven't seen it on a koshirae but in any event there is no negative implication as far as I know.

 Arnold F.

[ggil]

Dear Arnold,

PM sent. Now you get my association. I'll post the pictures which will clarify, as soon as the piece arrives. Thanks for the patience on this but I'm see you all will agree this piece is worth it.

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Grant.,

 

Kotobuki appears on a variety of items, originally it was deeply Talismanic, sadly  now relegated to the role akin to a Smiley in popular culture

 

I have seen it variously on Tsuba, as a Maedate on a Kabuto, on an Agano Yaki Teabowl and it is also a popular subject for Kakejiku hanging scrolls with the character written in a variety of styles from formal to vigorous.

 

Pip Pip

[ggil]

Thank you Malcolm,

 

So placing this charachter on the side of a koshirae may have been a sort of good luck charm. Maybe a way to inspire the owner to victory, or something (maybe like having a horimono is on a blade). I will pm you the pictures when the piece arrives, in a few days. Thanks for the excellent explaination! I would love to hear you explain a bit further too, but it would be probably best to wait till I post the pictures of the piece.