Baka Gaijin

Mokuhankan is a marvellous shop in Asakusa. It is owned by David Bull. David is an extraordinary Artist and his creation of Mokuhankan is a peaceful and inspiring space amidst the hustle and bustle of Asakusa.

Hi Justin, There are opinions that it was lighter to lug around. Also some came with a leather or oiled cloth foul weather cover for the tsuka. Here's a mine of information for you to start digging: http://ohmura-study.net/900.html

Only just noticed that Kuniyoshi's depiction of Hazama Kihei Mitsunobu (Yama Kihei Mistunobu) has what looks very much like an Ainu Pattern Cowl. Kuniyoshi was known for his eclectic interests including Western Perspective, Dutch Old Masters and Cats Any Thoughts on this?

Hi John, Using my Acme X-Ray Spex There is a Mekugi ana visible just under the first crossover of the itomaki.

Hi Simon, Not sure I get the sense of the message to Jaques D Japan Sword Company is Inami San in Toranomon. Aoi Art is Tsuruta San in Shibuya.

A few snaps from the current Horimono exhibition at the NBTHK Hakubutsukan in Tokyo. Photography is allowed, just no Flash.

Hi Michael It's a bit like Christian Iconography and the attributes of the Saints. These usually relate to Fudo No Myo - o The two parallel horimono are referred to as Goma Bashi and represent metal chopsticks which are used in Shinto and some Buddhist Ceremonies such as the O-Goma Fire ritual which is still practiced daily at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is dedicated the Fudo no Myo - o. https://www.naritasan.or.jp/english/ QED

Here's a clue trail, but you'll have to search Kaga Kuji no In Habaki and Tsuba Talismanic Protection It's all here on NMB in articles over the years.

Feeling its Soul? As the late lamented Actor Richard Harris would say... "Ah..... Soul!"