Does this Kashira have a special purpose?

[Drago]

Hi,

 

I found this on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/270905140057

 

The kashira of this Tsuka does have some kind of hook or whatever. Is there a special purpose for that? Is this an authentic piece or a modern fantasy invention?

 

Thanks!

[cabowen]

For hanging on the trailer wall....

[Pete Klein]

From the Ebay listing:

 

 

This is a form of Higo koshirae although most likely a later example. Here is a scan from the Higo Kinko Taikan:

 

 

Mitsuru Ito sensei made the comment in his book on Hayashi that this kashira style might be utilized in the Musashi School (of sword etiquette).

 

PS: sorry for the full koshirae being blurred but the HKT is bound rigidly so you can't open it fully.

[Eric H]

Interestingly on both tsuka the menuki depict Namazu, catfish...any relationship to Musashi...or coincidence?

 

Eric

[cabowen]

I believe the actual purpose is to inflict pain....

[Pete Klein]

Yeah, if you've ever watched a samurai film where they use the tsuka to jab their opponent as a warning before actually drawing the sword this would be one 'ell of a kashira to get in the ribs...

[John A Stuart]

Tsuka-ate. I think the extension would help when used on a downward raking strike to an opposing swordsman's hands and tsuka to interrupt his nuki rather than a thrusting attack. John

[Curran]

Poke poke.

 

One tsuka looks modern. The one in the book does not.

Earthquake Catfish? I don't know the mythology, but Earthquake Catfish are popular Higo design.

 

Personally I like the ones with the nearsighted catfish that falls in love with a gourd or eggplant fallen into the water...

[Shugyosha]

There's a similar one for sale here: http://www.nihonto.com/rh432sale.html

 

Kind regards,

John

[Henry Wilson]

The catfish apparently lies with its tail under the provinces of Shimosa (modern Chiba) and Hadachi (modern day Ibaraki) and when angry wiggles and causes earthquakes. It is believed Kaname Ishi (pivot stone that holds the world together) rests on its back.

 

He is a modern representation of him

 

More info on the tsuka itself.

http://www.yamabushiantiques.com/TSUKA4.htm

[BMarkhasin]

This style of kashira is termed "toppai". Below is a link to another example.

http://www.yamabushiantiques.com/TSUKA4.htm

 

Best,

Boris.

[Toryu2020]

The original "Musashi Koshirae" has a raised ridge on the kashira - this was copied by later generations of the Niten Ichi-ryu and over time it became more pronounced and pointed not for raking hits but for striking tsubo or pressure points such as the solar plexus and that located under the nose.

 

A late copy for sure but still a neat item

 

-t

[Baka Gaijin]

Morning all,

 

I can remember seeing a book at Kinokuniya called "Higo Ategashira" which contained a variety of extended or pointed Kashira.

 

The purpose apparently being deterrent offensive without the need to draw the blade in the first instance, The ZNKR Standard Iai forms as well as a number of Ryuha contain a ganmen ate (Face striking) technique.

 

Used like this:

 

 

Cheers