1934 Commemorative medallion

[John C]

Hello:

I can read May 30-31, 1934. But the only thing that comes up on that date is a day of mourning for Admiral Togo Heihachiro. Not sure that's what it is. Could this have been for Crown Prince Akihito's Birthday????  Looks like a medallion that someone turned into a tsuba-like netsuke-like-object. 

Thank you for taking a look. I appreciate your help.

 

John C.

 

Edited March 25 by John C
added content

[Bugyotsuji]

It’s the latter, not for Togo Heihachiro, an interesting medallion!

[John C]

 

22 minutes ago, Bugyotsuji said:

It’s the latter,

Thank you, Piers. Here is the back side showing a loop that would have allowed it to be used as a NLO.

 

John C.

[Kinoko Suzuki]

皇太子殿下御誕生

奉祝會記念

昭和九年　五月三十日

　　　　　　　三十一日

財団法人

宮内省互助会

 

This is believed to be a commemorative gift distributed to officials of the Imperial Household Agency following the birth of Crown Prince Akihito (now the Emperor Emeritus).

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes, and from the flying carp streamers and 'shobu' flowers on the reverse, probably also to commemorate his first Boy's Day.

 

(To be handed out over two days, later in the month of May?)

[John C]

Thank you very much, Piers-san and Kaito-san. This gives me some great info to research.

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

I have one tsuba that came wrapped in twine, using the nakago ana and ryo hitsu ana; it did seem as if it had once been used as a netsuke. In a general lot at an antiques fair it looked a mess, but when I cut away the string it turned back into a nice tsuba. I think it is quite possible that spare tsuba were carried, and even put to use as netsuke. In that sense, they would not really need a loop or jump ring attachment, but it's hard to think of what else yours could have been used for.

[John C]

Agreed. The holes look hand cut through the decoration so probably not original (although I cannot find another example of this particular medallion to compare). And the loop is in a weird spot for a pendant or keychain so I think the most likely usage would be as a NLO. Overall size is 63mm X 71mm.

 

John C.

[SteveM]

It's a paper weight - 文鎮 - the kind used when doing calligraphy. 

[John C]

35 minutes ago, SteveM said:

t's a paper weight - 文鎮 - the kind used when doing calligraphy. 

Thanks, Steve. Do you know if it started life that way or has it been altered? The location of the ring makes sense as a way to pick it up.

 

John C.

[SteveM]

Hi John, 

I saw one just like it on Japanese Yahoo for sale. It's described as a commemorative paperweight. It's not uncommon for these to have a loop and cord on them. So I think it started life as a commemorative souvenir for cultured folks. 

 

[John C]

Thanks again, Steve. Found a few online now that I know what I'm looking for.

 

John C.