Baka Gaijin

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!"

A great weekend Saturday DTI Sunday Meiji Jingu Embu and DTI

It suggests a simpler way of fitting a sword blade to a Tsuka that matched the mekugi ana on the nakago, but was too long to the habaki moto.

But they are listening Maxime.......

12 1964 Wakizashi mounted in what some refer to as Satsuma Rebellion mounts £4 10 shillings (£4.50 now) The Katana was £5.10 (£5.50), but I didn't have that much. The Dealer wrapped in some Newspaper for the bus journey home. The Dealer I bought it from is still dealing...........

Here's a series of Bando Minosuke depictions, mostly by Utagawa Toyokuni I https://ukiyo-e.org/...rch?q=Bando+Minosuke

Hi Paris, The Circular seal says Kiwame (Approved) and occurs in prints pre 1842. It may be a Gyoji seal which is encountered between 1811 and 1815, and were used by wholesale publishers to indicate approval. Below it is, I think the publisher's mark is for Matsumura Tatsuemon active in Edo. Thanks to Dr Andreas Marks' excellent "Publishers of Japanese Woodblock Prints: A Compendium"

Hi Rich and Piers As the Dear Old Bean states, I Lurk, and sometimes make a comment, usually when it is inappropriate. I just changed my Profile name to Baka Gaijin during the Lockdown, as I felt it more accurate a sobriquet. Rich, you have a wonderful example of the Last Stand. However, as Piers would probably agree, of absolutely no merit or value, and would best be sent, at your expense, to either himself or myself, where it could be appreciated appropriately....... Tee Hee moment here, before the forces of International Internet Wokery cast their beady eyes upon my statement, and demand that I eat salads made with rattan shoelaces. Seriously, you have an absolute cracker, and looks to be in pretty good condition. Enjoy it.......

What is the difference between a Japanese Sword and a Japanese Art Sword? About £5,000.00 if you are lucky...........

Good evening Arnaud, As you are in Japan, perhaps attend the Meiji Jingu embu on Sunday 3rd of November. You will see a vast array of Koryu schools demonstrating their various arts. Its a great event.

Good morning Old Bean, Have you thought of playing the spoons or the washboard as well as whistling Dixie? People love a variety act. 古剣 Old sword? Is that a catch all Torokusho term?

At the top the Shimadzu Kamon as Piers says: The rest may be here..... Good Hunting https://gotheborg.com/marks/satsuma.shtml

Hi Henry Try researching Kobudo 古武道 The Meiji Jingu Embu and Nippon Budokan Kobudo demonstrations willl fill in the gaps.

Tachi and Kodachi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodachi