Bugyotsuji Posted March 23 Author Report Posted March 23 Where to start? Some tsuka and tsuba? And 2 3 Quote
Winchester Posted March 23 Report Posted March 23 What is the symbolism of fish inner-ear bones? Uniquely specific, there must be some symbolism that escapes me. From the web (Source: High Emporium Website Link Ref.), general information: 3. Symbolism: Decoding the Meaning Behind Fish in Japanese Culture Fish in Japanese culture are imbued with profound symbolism, representing various virtues and ideals. The koi fish, for instance, is a prominent symbol of love and perseverance. This interpretation stems from the koi's natural behavior, where they swim upstream against strong currents, embodying a relentless spirit and unyielding determination. In Japanese folklore, the koi's struggle is often likened to an individual's journey through life's challenges, symbolizing the power of love and the tenacity to overcome obstacles. Similarly, the carp is another significant fish symbol, known for its strength and resilience. The carp's ability to leap over waterfalls is particularly revered, making it a symbol of success and ambition. This attribute is celebrated during the Boy's Day Festival in Japan, where carp-shaped kites, known as "koinobori," are flown to inspire strength and bravery in children. 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted March 24 Author Report Posted March 24 Yesterday I attended a lecture on koshirae, the methods and materials used by artisans. It was given in the events hall at the Osafune museum where this exhibition is presently being held. In the room was a large collection of privately-held koshirae spread over the tables for the attendees to handle. One comment struck me about how we think of the samurai being Spartan in their simplicity, but here we have all these gorgeous and flamboyant koshirae, as if rich merchants were wanting to show off their wealth. He gave us examples of some lacquering and embedding processes so time-consuming that no-one today would attempt them. One take-away for me, though, partly to answer your question, Brian, was that almost anything goes. One process, a lacquer swirling pattern for example, involved mixing tofu with the lacquer to slow the drying process. Another koshirae was decorated with what looked like migrating birds, but close examination suggested shark baby teeth. Yet another one had what the experts had declared were ground-down shells embedded into the lacquer, but the owner had determined were the round entrance covers for a shellfish called a 酢貝 Sugai or vinegar shell. (Lunella coreensis.) In other words, although there may be some fleeting acknowledgement of cultural meaning, on the whole artisans and patrons were choosing refreshingly unusual patterns from Nature. Almost as if they were talking points for people living in a rigidly defined static class system. With fish inner ear bones, I am guessing it was solely the rarity factor, almost a game to avoid boredom, "What do you think these are?" that the owner enjoyed inflicting on those who would listen! ’Chidori’ birds? 7 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted March 24 Author Report Posted March 24 Vinegar shell lids Swirls formed by mixing lacquer and tofu 7 Quote
Lewis B Posted June 21 Report Posted June 21 I had the pleasure of meeting Tumi Markan at the Japan Art Fair last weekend. Interesting guy and a true asset to the Osafune Museum. 1 Quote
Curran Posted June 21 Report Posted June 21 On 3/6/2025 at 3:22 AM, Bugyotsuji said: So I got a better camera, and took this from a distance! I feel a disturbance in the Force, ...ahhh. I think it was @Jussi Ekholm brain exploding somewhere in the distance. Jussi, it you are still in Japan- then maybe a quick trip to the Osafune Museum. Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted June 22 Author Report Posted June 22 Sadly Curran, that exhibition ended in April. It's Akabane blades now, till 13 July. Quote
Jussi Ekholm Posted June 22 Report Posted June 22 I am still for few days, I feel extremely privileged that I can spend so long vacation in Japan every year. Only downside of that is that I cant really collect swords 😂 I applaud Osafune Sword Museum that they publish the list of items that they have on display. Here is the current one. https://www.city.setouchi.lg.jp/site/token/1315.html I think I have seen too many incredible items on this trip... I admit bit too much. The Osafune Museum would be doable but I haven't hit Okayama on this trip as Prefectural Museum don't have their swords that I want to see on display and Hayashibara is closed at the moment. As crazy it might be the item I would want to see from Osafune Museum is the Hidekage naginata. Well Yoshifusa tachi & kodachi would be also nice to see but this summer I have already seen 4 Yoshifusa tachi (2 National Treasures), perhaps I still try to visit there this year or maybe next year 😅 I think it is amazing that Osafune Sword Museum publishes the item list on the website. I have gone to several different places only to realize they do not display their swords at that time... 1 Quote
Jussi Ekholm Posted June 24 Report Posted June 24 I did end up hitting the Osafune Sword Museum today, the facility was amazing and staff was very nice. The swords... Well I must explain that at the beginning of my trip I would have felt different about the swords. However during my multiple week stay I have seen 18 Kokuhō, 62 Jūyō Bunkazai and hundreds of other amazing swords. Including numerous amazing Bizen swords from various schools. Most interesting swords displayed in my opinion were a Gassan tantō and multiple nice Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi swords. Also Shinshintō Bizen swords were good. The old Bizen stuff that I especially went there to see was just in my opinion not that good. Of course I understand that the special exhibition is limiting the swords they chose to display. I think I will try to visit the museum some other year too. The displays were really good and museum itself was splendid. 🤗 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted June 24 Author Report Posted June 24 Are they still running that chūmon-uchi exhibition at the Okayama Prefectural Museum? (With that Naginata; I also know where the other one is!) Wish I’d known you were going to be in Osafuné today, but it sounds as if you got along just fine anyway… Quote
Jussi Ekholm Posted June 24 Report Posted June 24 I believe that this is their current exhibition and by the item list it seems the swords on display now would be Bizen Shinshintō. https://www.pref.okayama.jp/site/kenhaku/963604.html I will have to hit you up next time Piers and plan a bit advance 😄 as I travel without mobile Internet it is difficult to reach me in rural areas as there is no free connection. And planning is advisable as I just went with flow today and didn't check anything in advance. Ended up waiting 45 minutes for the local train at Osafune station 😁 Even though my comments might have sounded bit negative, to all readers there were many good swords on display. So if you are in the area it is worth visiting. And there will be next special exhibition coming up. Swordwise worst hit of this trip has been Itsukushima jinja. I was happy that my friend could join me as she had time for Hiroshima trip, so Hiroshima in overall was amazing. I had huge hopes when hitting Itsukushima jinja treasure house as I know they have super interesting swords and 200+ swords in their collection. However on display were 6 swords, of which 2 I found bit interesting... Still have to visit there in future too hoping to see some of the ones I really want to see. 😅 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted June 24 Author Report Posted June 24 Next time around it’s a deal, Jussi. Great that you are able to travel on your own initiative like this. A mixed bag, but altogether worth it I am sure. Drop in for one of the local branch meetings of the NBTHK; Mr Koike always has special blades lined up for viewing. Quote
Alex A Posted June 24 Report Posted June 24 On 3/24/2025 at 12:45 AM, Bugyotsuji said: Vinegar shell lids Swirls formed by mixing lacquer and tofu At last. Thats the first time i have ever seen one of those hefty type of unusual tsuba on a sword. 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.