hddennis

Having never handled nor actually seen in person a cloisonne sword before can anyone tell me what they would have had as a blade originally? Wood or metal? If metal was it actually a real blade or just a metal Tsunagi? Howard Dennis

Thanks Ray, we messaged each other and I'm waiting for instructions. Appreciate the help. Howard Dennis

While visiting my daughter in Virginia last week I stumbled on a collection of oriental antiques and was able to bring some nice pieces home to add to our collection. This cloisonne Tachi Koshirae is one of my favorites. At first I thought I could make something better than the coat hanger that held it all together loosely so it rattled and banged the fittings every time it was handled. I now realize the task is beyond my meager skills and since the Koshirae is flawless other than the expected patina from age. Is there anyone in North America that would have the skill to create a tsunagi without having a blade to copy? Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions on how to get this properly reassembled for display. Howard Dennis

Well Thanks again SteveM, at least I know more than I did before. Howard Dennis

Steve, Thanks for your help. Is it poor photography on my part or poorly formed characters? Howard Dennis

Thanks Matsunoki, I'm out of state and have this packed but it's several inches tall roughly normal size of most snuff bottles I've found and it does have an ivory spoon.

Is this Japanese and can it be translated?

Just acquired this snuff bottle and would like to know if possible what is written on it. Thanks, Howard Dennis

Baka Gaijin & Bugyotsuji, Thanks for the link and verifications of the name. This will give me more information in my search for answers. Appreciate the help, Howard Dennis

Being a former Marine I couldn't resist this especially since I collect Japanese art. It's an art form of gold and silver inlay over a controlled rusted surface called Komai. Has the name Mac on one end and Jeauue on the other. I'm told a unit flew this style helicopter out of Okinawa in the 1950's and 1960's. Other than that suggestion I have no idea when it was made. It has the Amita logo on the bottom. Do the characters under the names look like kanji? Thanks for any help, Howard Dennis

Franco D, Thank You for your response. Howard Dennis

Waiting for an online purchase to arrive and thought I'd ask for help understanding theme of this inro. Is it just a generic depiction of a man watching a crane in flight or could it have a specific meaning? Thank You, Howard Dennis

This tsuba online, what does it depict and are these kanji that can be translated? Thanks for any assistance, Howard Dennis

Thank You to all who responded, it has all been very helpful and informative. I agree about it being a dramatic but sad scene a response expressed by many viewers. Another responder suggested it could possibly show the results of Falconry or possible a political statement of the times such as the weak being dominated by the strong?? there is no damage other than a fading of the polish of the black due to wear .The wires are either gilded or polished brass as they have a brass colored shine to them. The rim is gilded. There is another very similiar one on eBay now but it is definitely of a lower quality as it has less detail. I have always wanted a cloisonne charger for my collection and I think this one fills that slot about as well as anyone could hope for. Howard Dennis

Latest online purchase has a signature I'd like to get translated if possible and also to learn anything about age and school if possible. Thank You. Howard Dennis

Very heavy metal, brass or bronze with a matte black back with wire scroll work embedded. Howard Dennis

Latest find at local antique shop. Any information as to age and or school greatly appreciated. It measures11 7/8 inches across and is 1 1/2 inches deep. Thanks, Howard Dennis

Once again Thank you all for putting in the time to research this piece for me and my wife to better understand this latest addition to our collection. Without your help they are just random oriental objects but now they have a whole new life to enjoy and pass on in the future. Howard Dennis

SO, this can't be translated?? Howard Dennis

Wife would like to know if you fellows could translate her latest antique store purchase. I apologize for not knowing proper orientation of signature. Please feel free to correct it. Howard Dennis

Thank You Colin. Seller was told by an appraiser that this wasn't an old piece but it sure seemed to have some age to me and your research seems to bear that out. Howard Dennis

I just spent a lot of time online trying to find the maker and time period of my latest purchase but couldn't find it. Hopefully someone here can help. Thanks in advance, Howard Dennis

Thanks again for helping a fellow collector to more enjoy new additions to the fullest. Howard Dennis

Arnaud, Thank You so much for your assistance I never would have found this. Is there a specific family name assosiated with it? Howard Dennis

Waiting for an inro I purchased online and wonder if I can get any information on what I assume is a family Mon. Thanks for any help, Howard Dennis