Definition of the term, Keiba Dachi

[sanjuro]

Gentlemen,

 

I am seeking a definition of the term 'Keiba Dachi'. I would be most appreciative if someone could give me a literal definition and also if possible an illustration of the type of nihonto to which it applies.

On a related note, the term 'kawari' and 'kawari no kawari', as it applies to nihonto.

 

These terms are a devil to understand without references.

 

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

[Eric H]

KAWARI (deki) : mutant, not representing typical style of maker

 

and

 

kawari nuri saya

 

Eric

[Nobody]

I know little about this subject. One of my books defines Keiba-Tachi/Dachi (競馬太刀) as follows.

Keiba- Tachi/Dachi is a tachi which was put on at horse racing (競馬 - Kurabeuma). Its fittings are of Kenukigata, but blade and tsuba are made of wood.

Ref. 刀装のすべて, ISBN4-7694-0122-1

 

Kurabeuma (競馬) is not a modern horse racing but a traditional ceremony.

Ref. Kurabeuma

http://www.cr.chiba-u.jp/~yamamoto/fswi ... oKurabeuma

http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=KnzHrQX8hsg

 

BTW, the Tachi in the attached picture is one of Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and it is now posesed by Itsukushima Shrine. It is also called Keiba-Tachi/Dachi sometimes. However, its appearance might look a little different from the definition above.

[sanjuro]

Thanks Eric and Koichi San.

 

It would seem that some ancient terms such as keiba dachi were used differently in a later historical period, and referred to something similar but not as per the original definition of the term. Perhaps they were original Kwansei terminology, later used to describe another more modern form of the original object? Would this be correct?

[reinhard]

Attached are three examples from the Tokyo National Museum. Description is always the same: They were made between 15th and 18th century for ceremonial horse-race. There's not much of a secret as it seems. It was a kind of standard for three hundred years to be worn on this particular occasion. This kind of koshirae was usually made with a kenuki-gata handle. The one in the Itsukushima shrine depicted by Moriyama-san seems to be special and of a more elaborate kind than the ones in the TNM.

 

reinhard

[estcrh]

Reminds me of this one. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6744

 

[sanjuro]

Reinhard

 

I wasnt supposing there was some kind of secret to uncover. I was aware of the swords at the itsukushima shrine and the fact that they had blades in those particular examples. A reference in another book to a wooden sword with the same name actually gave me reason to question the term and its meaning. All is now chrystal clear, even to one as apparently dull witted as I. :D