ANOTHER WHAT AM I??

[Bazza]

Or rather, what was I??  A mate sent me this link asking if I had ever seen anything like it.  To my ailing 'n' failing  81yo memory (60 'in swords') the answer is no.  It must have been 'something' for the blade to be taken out and a tsunagi made to hold the koshirae together.  Curious minds want to know...

 

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/edo-Japanese-concealed-blade-storage-oni-statue-130282-c-02f4917a9f?objectID=197055686&algIndex=upcoming_lots_prod&queryID=b0accac9d43f596c3bfaa3563f38581c

 

BaZZa.

[robinalexander]

[Baka Gaijin]

High end early Tourist "Hamamono" comes to mind.

 

also................

[Matsunoki]

I have seen two of these before. I believe they represent Ryujin but I’m not sure. One was in Sothebys about 35 years ago, the other in a top London gallery……mega-bucks even with no blade. They predate the “tourist era” by quite a bit I think……well back into Edo. One I saw had a blade that was sold separately and made a huge price. I believe they are rare sShrine pieces. I predict a big price but if going cheap buy it.

I’ll try and do some research. Lovely item. 

[robinalexander]

For posterity .....

[Matsunoki]

Not having much luck searching but same “vibe” …….

https://zentnercollection.com/product/18th-c-edo-polychrome-Japanese-oni-devil-statue-carved-wood-okimono/

 

Could also be an elaborate Oni or even Nioi.

If anyone on here buys this give me a shout🙂

[Shuko]

Bazza will win Powerball tonight and buy them all

 

They have a strange appeal to me, definitely collectable.

[Geraint]

Dear All.

 

Apparently nothing wrong with Colin's memory, this from Christie's sale 16th/17th June 1997.  Thought I had seen it but took me a minute or two to find it.

 

 

Rather unhelpful catalogue description: 'A wakizashi and a rare lacquered stand of Ryujin. Mei Yamato no kami Yoshimichi, 17th century.  ....with a rare lacquered wood stand of a standing Ryujin holding a tama. (Slight damage) 19th century.  The stand 103cms high.'

 

The pre sale estimate was a steep £15,000 to £20,000 though it appears not to have sold at this time. (Woops!  Mistake on the estimate now corrected.)

 

All the best,

 

 

[Tohagi]

Very interesting works....

Seems have been done to seal/conseal something (bad?),  a woman issue on the second case.

 

The left picture of the sword is reversed on the catalogue. 

 

What a pity to have split the blade from the Ryujin...