Bugyotsuji

What an amazing assembly. European flintlock mechanism altered to percussion cap? The stock and the barrel were married in later life. I have seen weapons cobbled together like this which come from the late Edo Satsuma Rebellion in Kyushu. The term ‘hiyazutsu’ was applied to smallish cannon which fired 火矢, ‘hiya’ or flaming bolts, but the small bore on your pistol does not really fit such a definition.

The woven sections are not really basket-shaped, but more like folded flat mats.

What would be the connection to martial arts? If carrying earth, general castle construction, or perhaps Hideyoshi building dykes for water sieges?

The golden part surely resembles bamboo. Is it a flute? But there are no holes. There is a slit down one side. Why are there handles on the woven rope section? Is it a rope/string seat, and could the bamboo parts be legs for a shōgi folding stool? A campaign stool?

Somehow I doubt it. My wife has a traditional loom, nothing like that. Unless it is some portable, specialized loom for weaving rope or something...?

It would be great if you could take a shot showing the pan from above with the lid open? And if you try removing the barrel you might find a signature underneath. (There is a character 源 and some mark there on the side behind the pan.)

米… Stylized, but yes, that’s the mark of 米沢 Yonezawa.

As far as I know, it should not be a problem, unless it is a designated National Treasure, etc. Are you talking about carrying smaller parts with you, and maybe shipping larger stuff separately? (If using the Post Office, be careful not to mention words like 'weapon' or 'lacquer', either verbally or in the paperwork.)

Pointed kabuto like this can be sub-divided into various shapes (Shiinari etc.,) but generally they are all called ‘toppai’ (pointed) for ease of reference. I have quite a similar one, said to be from early Edo. If you like it, why not? My feeling is it could be too good for okashi gusoku (armor kept in the armoury for ‘lending’ out to ashigaru footsoldiers). The verb kasu/kashi means ‘to lend’. The character looks like サ (Sa), but it could be… 廾 (20) maybe? Will you keep it in this condition or will you have it touched up a little?

An Ojimé is smaller and acts by sliding on two or more strings to pull them together, Jean. Usually with a vertical central passage. The size here has not been given, but it looks like a kagamibuta Netsuké, around 4~5 cm across, made of stag antler with a shinchū brass plate and ring fitment. As I say I think it is younger than the Edo Period but I rather like it.

Although 'Origami' is the generic name for the particular art of folding paper, it comes originally from its first meaning of simply 'folded paper'. Thus folded paper certificates are often referred to as Origami (or just 'kami') within this context.

獅噛 - 検索 画像 (bing.com) It looks like a more modern blend of lion and shishi features, with a touch of komainu, yes, but the sideways-pointing fangs also indicate a 獅噛 Shikami. Possibly late 1800s Asakusa Netsuke?

You decide! Hanshan and Shide - Wikipedia

Often shown, one with a broom or rake, the other with a scroll.

Moriyama San, when you say “It does not look fine”, do you mean it looks fuzzy, or it does not look clear, or good, or it does not inspire confidence, or… something else?

This is Jan Pettersson’s speciality, stylistically all the typical features of a rather rare Yonezawa gun. Looks to be in pristine condition. Is there a 米 mark in the stock underneath, forward of the trigger? The writing on the barrel is an invocation, 八幡大菩薩　Hachiman DaiBosatsu (There may also be a Mei when you remove the barrel.) What is the diameter of the barrel bore, about 1.8 or 1.9 cm?

The tongs let us know the piece is hot, but he is wearing such light clothing! If you have no other information about him, we are left to speculate whether he is a katana-kaji, or a general no-kaji. Does the length of the nakago offer us a hint? The tabako-ire sagemono set is marvellous in its detail, as John says, among other things. A nice find, with plenty to enjoy.

Possibly you did not read Bruce's advice above. Or do you only have one name? Take a deep breath and slow down, it's a long road ahead!

It’s Kōzuke Daijo Sukesada, who despite being Shinto, is becoming more and more highly regarded. He was extremely versatile, another genius in the Sukesada line.

https://ginza.choshu...2/17_tb_kiyoteru.htm Yoshida Kiyoteru made tsuba.

A Nihonto-related bronze? (The Teru character is slightly different from the one in Colin’s link.)

納 has a general meaning of presentation, donation etc. Whether it means that Komatsuzaki placed the order, or dedicated it to a shrine, etc., I am not sure.

I’m going to guess 光永 Mitsunaga.

That first character is so poorly written though, that it gives little confidence for approaching the second. I’ll go with Moriyama San here.

Ah, blueys and greenies! Thanks!!! PS Among Sukesada be careful of fake 'Kozuke Daijo' especially... (Extra caution)