Douglas Sumler Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 (edited) Hello, I am hoping to get some insight, historical context and feedback on an antique Japanese hilt that I have. The handle features detailed designs on the (kizami-tsuka) style outer wrap made of genuine stingray skin (samegawa), covered in black lacquer that has began to flake. It has an angular shoulder slant and a carved (mekugi-ana/peg-hole) framed by an intricate, geometric, circular flower patern (kamon) enclosed in a double ring of raised dots. DETAILS: Length/ 11 inches Width at Shoulder/ 1.75 inches Width at the End/ Just under 1.5 inches Weight/ 15.75 oz I have attached clear photos of the overall piece, close-ups of the carved crest, the flaking lacquer, and a direct shot looking down into the openings. I would appreciate any thoughts on the specific lineage or clan associated with this (kamon), its likely historical era, its overall value to a collector or restorer. Thank you very much for your time and expertise. Doug S. Edited August 25 by Douglas Sumler Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 Hi Douglas, difficult to say what this is but it doesn't have the quality you would expect from a Japanese made item. Quote
Brian Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 Can we get a few overall shots of the entire item, not so close up please? 1 Quote
nihonto_1 Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 Hi Doug. Just from the overall shape and general style of aesthetic, it seems more south East Asian, like thai or Cambodia. I am not familiar with their blades, but the general feel of the piece seems more inline with what I would see in art from those origins. Will Quote
Brian Posted August 28 Report Posted August 28 Definitely not Japanese. For some reason Ethiopian or Northern Africa comes to mind. 1 1 Quote
Spartancrest Posted August 28 Report Posted August 28 (edited) 1 hour ago, Brian said: Ethiopian or Northern Africa comes to mind. The design is very similar to these thin African figures - if you chop the heads off they look even more closely related - these figures are 35 cm high. [approx 14 inches] Edited August 28 by Spartancrest typo 3 Quote
nihonto_1 Posted August 28 Report Posted August 28 @Spartancrest @Brian Oh yeah.......that is similar 2 Quote
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