Spartancrest

I hate to say it but some Japanese "treats" can taste very bland or even awful to a European palate. I almost starved in Japan till I found an Indian curry house

Reminds me of Mr Pineapple head

Certain schools fitted kuchi-beni type sekigane as a standard feature [Tanaka - Nara]. "Kuchibeni were also used by masters of other schools - Akasaka, Hoan, Kinko". [ https://en.topwar.ru/152197-legenda-o-cuba-cube-chast-3.html#:~:text=Kuchibeni were also used by,of the kogai-hitsu-ana and kozuka-hitsu-ana. ] I guess it made fitting easier or was a decorative feature for those that collected tsuba without intending to mount them?

Let them eat cake! [chocolate for desert!]

The hidden Christian tsuba brigade are really stretching it: https://www.jauce.com/auction/h1218777130 The fact that there is nothing hidden about the religious nature of this design, plus the fact that it is a cast piece [only designed to be seen on one side at that!] totally negates any idea that it is in anyway real or worth even advertising!

AI - still needs some learning !! AI Overview This is a vintage Chinese cash coin amulet or charm. It features a unique, decorative shape with multiple openings and Chinese characters inscribed on its surface. Type: Amulet or charm, designed in the style of a cash coin. Material: Likely a brass or bronze alloy, showing signs of age and patina. Design: Features a central opening and two side openings, with a loop at the top for suspension. Inscriptions: The characters suggest it might be a commemorative or a general good luck piece.

Back in 2020 https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/33920-mekugi-nuki-ii/ but not in this thread. Miniature tsuba mekugi-nuki it cost me ¥3,000 and here is a "folding" version

late reply - this shows some "extreme" tagane-ato https://www.slam.org/collection/objects/8666/ The tang of the blade would be very thin unless it represented fullers?

Kashira "Key chains" https://www.jauce.com/auction/e1218491451 I think the owls expression is resigned shock! [Can you imagine the damage caused by a set of keys rubbing against these!] Something like these saucers has been seen before: https://www.jauce.com/auction/o1189151587

I do like the quality of the display fabric, very Wabi-sabi or 汚れた雑巾 Kegareta zōkin?

Thank goodness they don't make gold lips or you wouldn't be able to use a straw!

But UGLY goes clear to the bone! - Dorothy Parker

With the price of gold now - I am considering melting down my wedding ring! [Heck, she won't notice!]

Reading a copy of the "Times"?