Bugyotsuji

Generally it's a big no-no to clean these unprofessionally as the patina will often contain vital clues as to age.

There were several Mitsunaga with these characters 光長. The only very faint connection I can find so far, and it could well be a simple coincidence, is a Kyoto metalwork artisan during Anei (late 1700s) who lived in a small street called (藤の辻子). That uses the same kanji as Tsuji on the left.　 On the other hand we always need to keep open the possibility of gimei.

Chris, SteveM above has said he reckons that it's 光長 Mitsunaga on the right, a name. There seems to be a Kao following that name too. The question for me is why two different people have signed it, each with their own kao. A joint work?

Wow, fine work, so there are others out there! Thanks Dale!

Too many incoming rounds! Duck!!! Fantastic stuff guys, the NMB Detective Agency. Here’s the answer… shinchū set somehow within the iron mimi. 7.75 x 7.0 x 0.55 cm

OK guys, I was not expecting this! A further hint for all three of you!!!

Dang, Colin and Jean, you must have x-ray eyes. Yes, you are asking the right questions, although the answer is a little different.

The image is fuzzy yes, partly to keep folks guessing! Your answer is very welcome, Grev. Your assumption of iron is half correct. Agreed on the Kozuka lining being a later addition; it looks bright, with no patina. Finally, I do think you will be surprised by the answer. Oh, there are faint traces of some gold zogan on features here and there…

There is something unusual about this Namban. Would anyone like to venture a guess? (Hint. The answer is not obvious in this first photo.)

A lovely package! (I am sure Nobody meant to type 'Morimasa' above.)

Hi Chris, Tsuji Motochika (plus kao) would seem to be correct. Nice fuchi!

Here are two collections of butterfly kamon. You can see how much variety there was, allegedly up to 150 families using versions of butterfly Kamon. A B

Yes, as Jean and Bruno say, an unusual but strangely attractive version of agehacho swallowtail. Alignment of eyes, dot numbers, number of legs… The wave treatment of the rim is striking too. It could be a ‘torn-fan’ butterfly. Will check some books. Among others, the Ikeda Daimyo family of Himeji and Tottori used the standing, wings-up butterfly.

Some of the best Chinese ink stones have 'eyes' in them. 端渓硯石眼 - 検索 画像

Over the years we have had so many threads on Namban. Never sure where to post like that. Liking your juzu dragon Namban, Bruno. I have a giant set of juzu on my armour. It would be nice to have all of the Namban information in one place!