Baka Gaijin

Here, also from the National Diet Library Archive are 8 e-makimono scrolls entitled 刀劍寫眞 トウケン シャシン To Ken Shashin Again undated but Edo. Interesting how shashin is being used to mean a likeness. http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/2609697?itemId=info%3Andljp%2Fpid%2F2609697&tocOpened=1&__lang=en

Here, from the National Diet Library Archive in Tokyo, are 17 e-makimono scrolls containing "Utsushi" of famous swords and sword fittings. Written and drawn by 森, 久寛 - Mori Hisahiro (I think) Date uncertain but Edo period. http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/2590740?tocOpened=1

No worries, and rest assured, we'll never mention it again................................................................................................

These may be of use: Yamauba and Kintarō by Utamaro Thanks due to Fuji Arts Archive: https://www.fujiarts.com/cgi-bin/item.pl?item=744878 Even Daruma........... The tool used in all these looks like it's split. Wari Kogai or Hashi?

Bruce, I can't believe that no one has posted the timely classic as you are obviously now an honorary Antipodean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPFClJGqjBQ PS how's your head today Bruce As they say in A & E (E.R. for those of you across the pond) ... "Self administered, no sympathy".

If you block off the nakago ana and imagine it mounted, it resembles two Bishi entwined within the Nakago, as in a vertical varient of the Kamon Kumiai Bishi.

Hi Brian, This was the standard Army sword manual for Gunto Soho (Use of the Gunto): 軍刀の操法試斬 Gunto no Soho Shizan, this edition published in Tokyo by Rikugun Toyama Gakko Hen Showa 19 1944 http://dl.ndl.go.jp/...60369&__lang=en

Good evening Ian., Dots look like straight forward Sakura Kamon applique for the gaijin market. We need closeups please. We have sharp eyes down South........

Good morning all., Agree with Luc & Uwe regarding the age based on the images. The Kamon looks like one of the Myoga (Clove) varients like Daki or Kage Daki Myoga. Used by many families, including in its formal form, the Nabeshima in Saga. Maybe by Marutake Sangyo but not current stock (maybe 1970's)?. http://yoroi.co.jp/english/english/aboutus.html Looks like the Suneate (Shin Guards) are currently displayed upside down.

How would this work without an Ukebari (Helmet Liner)?

Just found these two volumes on Martial Arts entitled Bugei Zensho 武芸全書 at the National Diet Library in Tokyo: Volume 1 54 pages depicting Kenjutsu, Ju Jutsu etc: http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/860462 Volume 2 54 pages concentrating upon Iai: http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/860463?itemId=info%3Andljp%2Fpid%2F860463&__lang=ja

Here's the nine volumes of Shinto Bengi from 1779: 慶長以来新刀辨疑 Keichō irai shintō bengi http://library.si.edu/digital-library/book/keicho-irai-shinto-bengi Some are text only but many are fully illustrated with swords & signatures.

Hi Piers., I don't think the Tome Raider has been at this one. Maybe try putting it into "Read Full Screen" mode.

And another entitled Saiga zushiki from 1864: : http://library.si.edu/digital-library/book/saigazushiki00kats

Here is a charming book lodged at the Smithsonian Library: 鍔・鞘図案集 Tsuba, saya zuanshū - Edo period http://library.si.edu/digital-librar...basayazuansh00

This link may be of some interest: http://www.davidrumsey.com/Japan/

Hi Chris, it's the second one from the top: http://www.nihonto-yoroi.com/forum/ Cheers PS Thank you Uwe, I shall now go and write Kuwagata 1000 times in my note book......

Interesting, that where one would expect Inome (Boar's Eye piercing) on the Wakidate (Side Plumes), they are depicted as circles. Also, given the shape and thin construction of the Maedate (Central Badge...), look to be contemporary with the Wakidate which looks like a pressing and I suggest of much much later construction. What do you think Luc, Uwe & Dave?

I wonder if it is signed 中华人民共和国 ?

Or is the price calculated by using the evil volumetric weight table? In which case you may be able to add other items to the package for the same fee. Worth asking perhaps.

Difficult thing to age also. The fact that it's not all "bells & whistles" flashy suggests not originally a deliberate export item, so maybe the Sonno Joi 尊皇攘夷 movement of the 1850's or later on in the Bakumatsu & Restoration? Not 20th century, I think.

Thank you Bill., A bit of useless trivia, Kyoto was originally laid out using principles related to the subjects we are discussing. It is no coincidence that the most inauspicious direction to the North East of Kyoto has a temple situated up in the hills to act as a conduit against potential malign influence from that direction. In a similar vein, if you look straight up from the High Altar in Wells Cathedral, you will see a carving of the Green Man set in the ceiling stonework. A hangback to the syncretic fusion of early Christianity and Paganism...........

Hi Bill, The reverse of the fan represents a star constellation, most likely the one commonly referred to as the big dipper. This appears on many sacred and profane objects and can have a number of interpretations, allegiance to Myōken being one of them. The constellation is also linked to the esoteric practices of Onmyōdō and Shugendō but it is difficult to make any interpretation without knowing what the other side is referring to . Over to you Piers..............

火の用心 !!! Once the popular name for Edo was 火災都市 City of Fires., "Fires and quarrels are the flowers of Edo." That's why they bang Hyoshigi....

How big is it? I was thinking perhaps Kanban for shop display?