Interesting Kote-- any thoughts on age / maker?

[sounderites]

Just got these from Japan. The plates are made to look like bamboo. Beautifully made sparrows at the elbows. Now quite sure what is on the hands-- a mon? A burning oil lamp? Maybe someone knows the symbolism there...

 

Any thoughts on the symbolism, age, and maker would be much appreciated! Thank you

[sounderites]

[sounderites]

[uwe]

A nice pair, Julian!

I would place it to the mid/late Edo period.

Sparrow and bamboo (as hijigane in your case) are known themes for mon, but I couldn’t find an exact match at the moment. Tekkō and kanmuri ita are adorned with the flaming jewel motive (hōju). A Buddhist symbol to which one ascribed a wish fulfilling effect.

 

[Bugyotsuji]

As Uwe says. Sparrows and bamboo generally point to Daté of Sendai or (Or Daté of Uwajima).

[Luc T]

Interesting set.   I think in the direction of the Nagasone

[sounderites]

Thanks for the insights! 

 

Restoration wise, I was thinking of oiling with a tiny amount of Ian Bottomley's special 50/50 linseed oil & turpentine formula, wiping off, then allowing it to dry for 3 days.

How do we feel about having the silk professionally replaced-- acceptable like replacing odoshi or mortal sin?

[Iekatsu]

Very nice. A little oil should be fine, but replacing the fabric sections will require a professional and the final result will not necessarily reflect the original. I would be interested to see the top of the uppermost plates, are they concave?