uwe

Yes, guess we could call the shape “kōseizan”!

Unfortunately, the picture leaves something to be desired, as large areas are obscured by shading. Anyway, a look at the inside reveals that this hachi underwent several modifications during its lifetime. The most obvious changes can be seen around the koshimaki. It was most likely originally intended to accommodate a kasa shikoro, but was later adapted for a hineno shikoro or something similar. The front section was also dramatically modified. Note the seemingly “overlapping” hagi-ita on the inside, as well as the difference in width of the koshimaki in that area, which creates the offset visible from the outside. This suggests that the mabisashi was added at a later stage. Further supporting the theory that this may be an old helmet bowl are the placement and shape of the rivets, as well as the rather rough edges of the hagi-ita. Taken together these details, i.e. the significant alterations and adaptations over the course of its use, may increase the chance that we're dealing with an old bowl... There is more to say, but I'm curious to hear other opinions first!

I’m still not sure about the reading. Can we have a picture of the item?

Strange! Do you have more pics, Gary? Especially from inside…

Tsuruta San is more specialized in swords. The armor (and related) descriptions are “questionable” at times… No offense at all…he is a nice guy. We have had some beer together back in 2013 as far as can I remember 😉

Buyer beware…it can’t be repeated often enough!

It might purport to be a work of “信盧” (Nobuyoshi)…but doesn’t look good!

You’re welcome!

@The Blacksmith “normally” the nose itself is embossed from one sheet. At some Myōchin masks in tetsu sabiji you can, however, see that the upper lip is riveted to the body of the mask. On the mask in question I just wanted to draw attention to the weld spot...

This is from Sesko, Mark: YOSHIKUNI (義国), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu –“Yoshikuni” (義国), real name Ikoma Yoshiichi (生駒芳一)

Almost all that Justin pointed out! Furthermore the orekugi (small hooks on the cheeks) are obviously made of wire* and pointing backwards. If you have a look inside, the ears (mimi) as also the “bridge” of the nose piece (hana) seems to be welded not riveted. The whole appearance aside, which looks suspicious, the lacquer on the inside is not properly applied, and as Justin mentioned, I also doubt it’s urushi at all. * first giveaway to spot a fake menpō.

“生駒” (Ikoma)!

Indeed!

I guess he… MUNECHIKA (宗近), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Munechika” (宗近), real name Fukuchi Toshio (福地鋭雄), born May 17th 1898, he worked as guntō smith and died April 29th 1974

Probably this guy: YOSHITADA (吉忠), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Saga – “Hizen no Kuni Yoshitada kinsaku” (肥前国吉忠謹作), “Yoshitada” (吉忠), real name Kinoshita Kōichi (木下幸一), born 1893, he worked as rikugun-jumei-tōshō, jōko no jōi (Akihide), First Seat at the 6th Shinsaku Nihontō Denrankai (新作日本刀展覧会, 1941) Yes, it is “kigen”…in spring (春) 1940. About omote and ura. It might be the thing with Hizen blades and Tachi-Mei?!