Somewhat different yatate

[John C]

For those who have an interest in yatate, I just picked up this somewhat different one. I say different because the unusual/quality pieces are harder to find in the US. Anyway, this one is an inro type with the familiar angled silver dashed line as a decoration. But inside it has a small hanko that reads ba/ma or "horse." Unsure if it is a nickname or part of a surname or a profession, however it probably dates from the very late Edo to Meiji periods. My guess would be a mitome-in seal. The vermillion ink is under the lid next to the seal.

 

John C.

[John C]

Another less-common yatate. This one stands out because it is made of wood (boxwood, I think, because of the tight grain) and is signed (Hirokazu). Signed pieces are not common with more "pedestrian" yatate like this one. And while wood was used, they too are less common later into the edo period. Brass and copper were just easier to use. I could not find a record of this artist on any of my lists, however the Greek Key carving is very intricate and well done. The ink bowl is copper and the hinge is some metal. The ojime is also cast metal (non-ferrous). Please excuse the white powder in the carving that someone used to highlight for sale. I haven't brushed it out yet. 

 

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

Those are both sweet, John! 
(Was the little kozuka still inside the first copper example?)

[John C]

3 hours ago, Bugyotsuji said:

(Was the little kozuka still inside the first copper example?)

On that one I don't think so. Of the 40 or so yatate I have, only 10 or 15 have the slot for the kami-kiri. And of those, only 3 came with it - all in very rough shape. Pictured is one of my other ones that came with the kami-kiri. Note the finger slot that helps push it out.

 

John C.

Edited April 15 by John C
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