Inoshishi no fukuro yari?

[John C]

Hello:

I just picked up this fukuro yari signed on the socket Chikuzen Shimosaka. Please note the small cross piece on the upper shaft. Would I be correct in assuming this makes it an inoshishi yari? If so, were these used exclusively for boar hunting or could they also have been used as a weapon?

Bonji script on both sides of the blade (needs a polish); first red then black lacquer applied to the socket, but rubbed off by someone to read the mei; two small mekugi ana at right angles on the socket; overall length about 9 feet.

 

Thanks for looking,

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

In my experience, no, this looks like a legit fukuro yari made for the Korean invasions by Shimosaka who moved to 'Nagoya' (a different one) in northern Kyushu to help supply the armies gathering there. There are many kinds of kagi or tsuba in that part of the haft. I like yours for several reasons. Nice.

 

Inoshishi yari tend to be grosser and more simply made, but I am willing to be shown a beautiful example!

[John C]

Thank you, Piers. The ishizuki is fairly plain and riveted on. The whole shaft is lacquered with red lacquered stripes. It all looks like it has honest wear to me.

 

John C.

[Tohagi]

Very, very nice !

Thank you for sharing !