Henry Wilson

Indeed. Graft a Buddhist concept on to an indigenous image to legitimise it. Wild spectulation on my part, but fun none the less.

During the 8th century, the imperial regimes in Nara pushed Buddhism north and integrated Buddhist concepts into the indigenous people's culture as part of a colonisation programme says Yiengpruksawan, M. H. (1998). "Hiraizumi: Buddhist art and regional politics in twelfth century Japan." p.22. To me the little fella has a certain "folk art" look to him, and considering the above information, he might be a localised (possibly Tohoku area) rendition of a Nio guardian. Compare the statues in the link. Similar but less horny http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/nio.shtml

Are you willing to sell the flags separate? If so drop me a board mail. よろしくお願いします。

Al the best Markus. Get well soon.

Don't forget Nobuie. I believe these tsuba are well documented examples of supposed Christian motifs. All pictures from 'Nakamura Kakudayu Nobuie Tanshu' and corresponding translation.

I have had experiences with items sold as the "one and only" at high prices to only find a few years later that the exact same exists at a fraction of the cost. I sympathize with Arnold's plight but I think it goes with the territory. My over-priced treasure is always there to remind me how fortunate I am to live in a first world country and have the kind of disposal income to throw around lavishly. On another note, amongst all the horrid things that Aoi Arts (supposedly) does I didn't know dog intimidation was one of them.....

I would say that it is purely decorative as an extension on the tea aesthetic epitomised by the Kasen Goshirae togidashi same. It is possible that the pattern is reference to the bubbles on tea and the kairagi (glaze wrinkles) found on the base of the Ido tea bowls. Nice gear by the way. They must be very fragile. Obviously Higo school too Lol.

I can see your point Ford. Maybe I am too loose as "whatever anyone feels something represents is ok." is exactly what I think as far as abstract motifs in tsuba are concern. I don't think my subjective bearing makes objective research meaningless as I am open to objective research as a way to develop my subjective preferences. Also, I honestly don't think there is such thing as objective research. What the research element of my MSc has taught me is that all research has a certain bias in-built to some degree or other, starting from the very moment someone chooses an area to research.

I think the question lies in whether tsuba were made specifically to represent a Christian theme or did particular patterns become popular with Christianity for reasons such as convenience, preference etc. There does not seem to be a Christian tsuba tradition of tosogu even though certain tsuba categories are regarded to have a tendency towards Christian motifs. Charles Sanders Pierce wrote "a 'symbol' is a sign whose special significance or fitness to represent just what it does represent lies in nothing but the very fact of there being a habit, disposition, or other effective general rule that it will be so interpreted" In others words, if it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck it can only be one thing depending on what you think. These tsuba as they stand can represent Christianity if you want them to and I think there is nothing wrong with that. The question is were they being made to cater for a Christian believers market or just a popular non referential, non symbolic style that became a choice of an (enlighten) minority?

I think I sent a payment too. Many thanks. Looking forward to getting the translation.

Despite what a lot of our peers portray, we really don't know what was in the minds of the people that made kodogu. Therefore I believe, if something could be possible then there is a chance that it is possible. So applying Wilson's Razor I see what looks what could be a reference to a Christian motif (see the illustrations in the reference Arnold above quotes). Christian motif it is!!!!

I am ready to pay anytime the final price has been settled. Looking forward to reading the translation.

Butterflies?

Can I ask, when do you think the translation and pdf version will be complete?

Personally I think these are bang for buck. A good start on iron tsuba. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19487-two-higo-tsuba/

Count me in too. I would prefer a printed copy if possible.

Looks like fun. Is that carpet for real?

DIY. It is s lot fun. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UWa_MyLpZfQ

The Tosogu no Kigen and translation might shine some light on the subject. http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/books/b675-tosogu-no-kigen

That makes my weary eyes weep. Looks like it could have been a nice tsuba once. If it is the real thing. The characters seem to be 大古.

Nice set of kodogu. I have a very Zen question: If people don't get a joke, is it still a joke? Humour wise, it seems a bit over-thought to me, but it is clear the motif has been contrived to level Di Vinci meets the Virgin Mary on a peice of toast. Knowing all the Goto masters personally they are much funnier than that. This is what they were up to last night here in Tokyo: Joshin: Knock,knock! Wilson: Who's there? Joshin: Goto master Wilson: Goto master who? Joshin: Goto master gotono Dragons!!! Thanks for sharing.

And I would even take a cr@pper Kiyomaro blade if I had enough spare change under the sofa. Think of the glory.

Nice bold tsuba. As Pete says very clean. It is interesting that the hitsuana were pugged after kanteisho were issdued by the looks of it.

Sorry Akasaka!!!!

My spidey senses say Asakusa. The colour, the shape and the kebiro are the reasons why I think. I always image nishigaki to be darker and more tense in composition.