kanjite

Removed

I am looking for the traditional Japanese name for the metal piece that is shown on a Tanto that does not have a Tsuba or Seppa. Its placed below the Fuchi to reinforce the underside of the Tsuka in a similar fashion as the Koiguchi reinforces the mouth of the Saya. In many cases this piece and the Koiguchi are designed to have the same outer appearance when the sword is fully sheathed. The attached image is from the site below. http://islandblacksmith.ca/available-work/design-your-own-hamidashi-tanto/#/tab-description I've yet to find a illustration or image of a vintage weapon that names this part.

Thanks for the answers.
 
 I did receive help for the clothing from a woman who runs a web site which sells reproduction outfits and accessories. She also wears such outfits and has viewed vintage clothing from this time period. She was not too familiar with the coloring of the weapon as she has only owned a scabbard without a blade to use as a clothing accessory.
 
Summarizing her observations: The outfit is formal due to the darker coloring of the haori and kimono and large size of the haori-himo. The outfit is not full-blown formal due to the lack of any visible mon or kamon (although there could be some located on the back). A black haroi with a brown kimino is unlikely as the haroi does not appear to be dark enough to be black and brown would be considered too informal for this ensemble. The hakama is definitely not brown and white stripped as she has never seen a piece using those colors from that time period or later eras. She has seen black and brown stripped hakama, but most hamaka with dark and light stripes generally use black or blue in combination with white (or light gray). The haori has big tucks due the subject being a child. All children's kimonos are worn with big tucks in the shoulders and sleeves. She suggests a dark blue for the haroi, gray-blue for the kimino, and white for the naga-juban. The haroi would be white or cream. The hakama would likely be a dark blue and gray or dark blue and white. The exposed haroi lining might be a mid gray blue or soft gray or green with a cream or taupe pattern - it would likely not be too bright for a formal outfit. Stephen, it appears those Google Photo links are no longer working due to the files being purged so I've decided to share a camera shot of the front and back of each photo. Sorry, they are not very big, but unfortunately high quality scans would likely be stolen and be sold on sites such as Amazon by POD merchants from a certain big Asian country known for producing pirated goods and having a big wall. The first image shows Hirohsi at approximately 14 1/2 and has his name phonetically written on the back by a member of the host family he stayed with. The second is at age 17 and bears his signature on the front. He has dated it 1874 and noted his location as the Manchester Locomotive Works in Manchster, New Hampshire, where he was working as intern as part of his railroad engineering education while staying with the company's manager Aretas Blood (love that name). The rear inscription also includes a large "S.H.I." on the bottom, which perhaps pertains to the city of Manchester as a Wikipedia article on Japanese addressing includes the following information regarding shi. Carte de Visite cards were widely used in the same manner as we use business cards today by writing your address on the back (or having it printed on the back). The text below the inscriptions is the photographers logo. I was able to order a Japanese language biography from the Amazon Japan which includes the only other image from this time period I've been able to find. This image is dated November 1871 and would have been taken months after the first image I have - essentially the time it would take to grow out. I have not been able to determine who owns this image yet. Most likely its back in Japan or held by a New England institution - I've been able to find photos of other Japanese students at New England colleges and museums. Thanks, I had not considered that the hilt could be slightly pulled out of the scabbard thus exposing the top edge of the habiki. Another possibility is that the two bands under the Fuchi are decorative lines cut into the surface of the scabbord as seen in the attached image of a tanto with an aikuchi koshirae from Wikiepdia. The sageo also appears to pass under the front hakima-himo and may be attached to the hakima-himo instead of the obi as this also taught by some sword schools (according to a site that sells reproduction swords).

Hello Again! Its been awhile.
 I've found a digital photo restoration pro in my state's capitol who has examined the image first hand under magnification and given me a quote for a monotone digital restoration. He is also interested in completing a colorized version; however, he is not an export on Japanese clothing and swords so I am preparing the detailed guide based upon research from this and other boards. I wanted to see if I could get some further details on the exposed portions of the sword by providing a larger scan of that area. Based upon my earlier smaller images it was suggested this weapon had a aikuchi type mount, which does not have a Tsuba (handguard). The guard on top of the scabbard (Koiguchi) is suppose to come in direct contact with the Fuchi. On the enlarged image of the hilt area one can see that the area below the Fuchi has what appears to be two bands which are just as tall as the Fuchi. I pretty sure what 20 to 22 are, but I am trying to work what 17, 18, 19 represent. Scenario 1: 17. Saya. Top edge of portion of scabbard. 18. Koiguchi. Guard on top scabbord. 19. Seppa. A Spacer generally on either side of Tsuba. 20. Fuchi. Metal band with undetermined characters. 21. Tsuka-ito. Wrap around hilt's wooden core. 22. Kashira. Butt cap on end of hilt. Scenario 2: 17. Saya. 18. Koiguchi. Guard on top scabbard. 19. Bottom of hilt is using a fitting similar to a Koiguchi. I have some photos of Aikuchi Koshirae which appear use a similar band on the top of the Saya and the bottom of the hilt, but no illustrations that specifically name the band on the hilt.
 Scenario 3: 17. Saya. 18. & 19. Two stacked Seppa or an single extra tall one with a center groove. Scenario 4: 17. A small Tsuba mostly hidden by Sageo. 18. & 19. Two stacked Seppa or an extra tall one with a center groove. I am open to suggestions as likely materials and colors likely used for these parts.

Thank you for that tip! I was able to find a photo of him based on that name and it does not match the photo I have in appearance or age. It may be the other student name "Mori" in the list. I've added a attachment to this post with an clipping of the student's known information in case anyone might by chance have any additional information. This student is listed under the name Haryosh Mori as having first attended Worcester County Free Institute (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) and transferring to MIT in the 1870s. He was likely born in the 1850s based on his age - the 1920 edition of MIT's student directory indicates he is among the deceased.

Once again I thank you for your help! I have determined that I have two photos of Hiroshi Hiraoka (1856-1934), who is regarded as the "Father of Japanese Baseball". https://www.lib.city.minato.tokyo.jp/yukari/e/man-detail.cgi?id=80 According to 3rd party sources his father sent to America to be educated (and to possibly stay out of trouble). Upon arriving in California he saw his first train and decided to became a railroad engineer. While attending school and working for two locomotive manufacturing companies he became a fan of the Boston Red Stockings baseball team. He became friends with the team's pitcher Albert Spalding who would later form a sporting good company. Spalding gave his some baseball equipment to take with him back to Japan and sent him additional items in the future. After returning to Japan Hiroshi was instrumental in modernizing both railroads and baseball in Japan, forming the first organized team there. Aside from throwing the first curve balls in Japan he is also said to have brought the first guitar and ice skates to Japan. Very cool story! Frankly, I'd like to see a movie made that examines his life while at the same time looking at how Japan changed from Perry's arrival up to the 1930s. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzX2ZvVWFVR1J2U1k/view?usp=sharing The image on the left was likely taken around 1871 shortly before he left Japan or shortly after his arrival. He would be about 15. The second image has a inscription on the back by Hiroshi in English that denotes the known location of the Manchester Locomotive Works and the date of 1874. He would be about 18. The two images on the far right are know images of him from 3rd party web sites. The image in the center is still a mystery. A member of the family that hosted some of these students (perhaps years after they had seen the students) had written "Mori?" on the back, which also has a kanji inscription by the student. There are two known students with "Mori" in the their name including: Mori (Seitaro) Haryosh Seitaro 森 誠 太 郎 (called Haryosh Fujiwara Saitaro Mori in 1917) Mori Yashu Nagaoka 長 岡 護 美 That center photo looks a lot like Hiroshi. Does anyone think the center photo might also be Hiroshi? If it is a person named "Mori" I think it might be the 1st Mori listed above as he was from the same place as Hiroshi (Yedo). That Mori and Hiroshi also arrived in Boston in the same group as "Mr. Shimidzu" (a.k.a. Atsushi Shimizu / Count Tokugawa Atsumori) who is referenced in my other thread. Enjoy!

I am currently researching some photos of Japanese students that were sent to the U.S. in 1870s to be educated. This group is referenced in the following Japanese & English pdf: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jeigakushi1969/1999/31/1999_31_111/_pdf Here is the latest student I was able to identify: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItza0FXZlhjWmZ6eEU/view?usp=sharing This student is listed in the above pdf asShimidzu, A. 清 水 篤 守. I think this image was likely taken upon his arrival in America around 1871 which would make him about 15. I've been able to determine who he is; however, many of the sources appear to be written in Japanese or Chinese so I must use a service such as Google translate which is often lacking. https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&u=http://admiral3166.ddo.jp/wiki31/en/index.php/%25E5%25BE%25B3%25E5%25B7%259D%25E7%25AF%25A4%25E6%2595%25AC&usg=ALkJrhgd2ZSTyN1Mh-e5V-504L0EA8FDmA https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=zh-CN&u=https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%25E5%25BE%25B7%25E5%25B7%259D%25E7%25AF%25A4%25E5%25AE%2588&usg=ALkJrhjdlGXeGhqOGIdHSl2JKbsmJPCsXg https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%25E5%25BE%25B3%25E5%25B7%259D%25E7%25AF%25A4%25E5%25AE%2588&prev=search https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=https://reichsarchiv.jp/%25E5%25AE%25B6%25E7%25B3%25BB%25E3%2583%25AA%25E3%2582%25B9%25E3%2583%2588/%25E5%25BE%25B3%25E5%25B7%259D%25EF%25BC%2588%25E5%25BE%25B7%25E5%25B7%259D%25EF%25BC%2589%25E6%25B0%258F%25EF%25BC%2588%25E5%25BE%25A1%25E4%25B8%2589%25E5%258D%25BF%25E3%2583%25BB%25E6%25B8%2585%25E6%25B0%25B4%25E5%25BE%25B3%25E5%25B7%259D%25E5%25AE%25B6%25EF%25BC%2589&prev=search Depending on the time period there is actually several versions to his name (see below) and he is referred to various titles such earl, prince, lord, and count: Tsunesaburo Matsudaira (childhood name) Tokugawa Atsumori (1856-1924) Tokugawa AtsushiMamoru Count Tokugawa Atsumori "1871 changing one's family name Shimizu" "1877 changing one's family name Tokugawa" By the 1890s he was involved in some financial problems and was convicted of criminal activity which forced him to resign his position: https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=shFDAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&output=reader&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA662 His son (Yoshitoshi Tokugawa); however, was an important figure in Japanese aviation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshitoshi_Tokugawa His name is recorded on the back of the photo as (probably written by a member of host family he was living with in America): https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzQW1jNlpPQktYdTQ/view?usp=sharing Sword: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzeWZMaUpDZlJMNWM/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzYmVhal9wcy10cVk/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzbDc0aHFiRnF6VUE/view?usp=sharing Hair: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzanFrOUh4S0FSeTQ/view?usp=sharing Clothing: The outer clothing appears to covered in a pattern from top to bottom which perhaps pertains to his clan https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzVkpBSGI2RTZ3U0k/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzMXNhR0JEbUdWRFE/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzNmNrSjNJRzVZZm8/view?usp=sharing I would appreciate any input regarding the sword, clothing, & hair.

Not at this time. I am researching 2 or 3 possible unknown photos of a historical figure as a teenager and don't want to reveal his face at this time. I've started to experiment with scanning the photo to bring up a little more detail from the mid section. I did not detect any additional telltale information on the upper part of the torso and head area other than the diagonal seams used to attach the arm pieces are clearly visible. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzY1IyR05oamhXY2c/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzdGdnNVl4NjBvYTg/view?usp=sharing At this point the scanner is starting to bring up a crackled surface that is present in the photographic paper which is not visible with the naked eye. Some further details I've noticed include: 1. The lower metal band on the sword hilt appears to have top and bottom raised edge. It appears the band may have characters on it although most appear to be obscured from light reflecting on the metal. There's sort of a curve "X" visible on the left lower portion of the band. 2. There appears to be a pattern in the linen next to the cording (a series of thin lighter stripes on a darker background). This is the linen that is located between the outer linen and the inner light colored collar area. 3. There appears to be a curved metal hook visible on the left side of the upper cording. 4. Some further detail of the upper cording is visible - looping and perhaps the terminating fringe. 5. The linen that appears to be wrapped around the the sword appears to have several smaller cords that extend downward under the lower striped tied linen.

Thank you the great information! That colorized image by Uwe certainly helps one travel back in time! Here's a small image of the hair style down to the tops of the ears: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzUFJXOEVCcEVQSms/view?usp=sharing The actual image is quite small as its a "carte de visite" and it has age related paper foxing. I've only taken a picture of it using a digital camera as opposed to a high quality scan at this point. Since removing the foxing might not be possible, or could damage the photo, the only real way to preserve it will involve scanning it and letting a artist fix the digital version, which has the added benefit of adding color. It should now be easier for the artist to conduct additional research based upon the information and correct terms provided here!

I've updated my signature. Thank You for the tip regarding "SOSHO KANJI"! Another source suggested that two characters on the right might be 米国 (America) and some of those in the center might be ボストン (Boston). Assuming that the remaining kanji represent a more specific location in Boston I do have list of known street locations where they lived in Boston. The photo is one one of two Japanese students sent to the U.S. in the 1870s. I do not know which student it is at this time. It appears they were initially housed together at the first location listed below and then parted ways as they progressed in their education. Individually these two students also lived at other towns in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware; and Woburn Centre (Village) in Massachusetts. Boston Locations: 1 Mount Pleasant Place, Roxbury 280 Dudley Street 41 West Newton Street 36 Boynton Street 6 Centre Street, Roxbury I may need to hire an expert in vintage Japanese writing for this one, but Thank You for your replies!

I've uploaded a image of hand written kanji at the url below that I am trying to translate: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79zxdt-CItzdDZmclBqWDQ2cmc/view?usp=sharing This kanji was likely written during a 1871 to 1877 time period. Its written on the back of a photo of a Japanese boy who had converted his hair and clothing to those styles used in a western country where he was being educated. I am not sure if the Kanji includes the name of the person in the photo or not. A 3rd party from another site, who is not an expert, suggested that the Kanji might include the phrases "1876", "Boston", and "America", but they were not 100% sure of this.

I am trying to i.d. the type of sword in a photo. I've uploaded a enlarged section of the photo to the following url: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B79...ew?usp=sharing I know that the photo was taken in 1871 and that the subject was a 15 year old boy. A 3rd party reference source state's that the boy's father was a minor samurai. Another 3rd party source said his father was the Tayasu clan chief retainer. Can anyone confirm that this is a wakizashi style sword hilt and what class of people would have used it in Japan? According to the wikipedia page below a wakizashi was also used by merchants and artisans because they were forbidden to wear a katana. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakizashi I am not really sure if the subject in the photo owned any other swords, such as a katana, to denote that he belonged to the samurai class. His father sent him outside of Japan to be educated in a western country in 1871 and this photo appears to have been taken upon his arrival in the western country he was sent to as the right side of the image appears show the back rest of a western style wood chair. He is dressed in traditional Japanese clothing and still has his hair drawn backward into a traditional chonmage knot as he left Japan several months before before the Japanese law regarding hair styles. http://www.meijishowa.com/calendar/4...amurai-topknot I am considering hiring a graphic artist to scan the image and render a restored and colorized version so I am looking for advice as to the meaning of the sword, the large knotted cord, and clothing he is wearing and what colors to use for attire of this time period.