Matsunoki

Haven’t read it all but this topic has many promising links in it re Kabutowari

Difficult to tell exactly what has been done from these images or what the underlying work depicts but, iron fittings can be found lacquered for two fairly common reasons (and probably a few less common) 1. to prevent rusting or disguise rusting (many samurai were very impoverished) 2. to tone them down to a more shakudo type of finish perhaps to apparently match an odd shakudo fuchi. I have also seen hastily assembled “Satsuma Rebellion” swords with lacquered fittings including tsuba.

From these images it looks like a plastic/resin fake. The quality is nowhere near Japanese workmanship. Sorry! I doubt better images will improve its chances.

Can we please see the underside?

Imo…..Most likely an Ox given that they are a zodiac animal and often encountered in many Japanese art genres including sword fittings. Looks like it might have been given a “paint/lacquer coat” to imitate Shakudo and gold. Bit carelessly done when you look around the edges.

Hi Brian, genuinely honoured that you would even consider me for such a role having only been on here a short time. Trouble is I would not describe myself as being very moderate, I’d probably end up recommending myself to be banned. I would prefer to stick to participation and leave moderation to impartial level headed folk. Always happy to help in any informal way. Best. Colin…and of course good luck on the health front.

Well, I cannot recall having Ford restore an iron tsuba for me. Everything of mine that he was kind enough to deploy his magicians skills on was mixed metal and mostly works of art. I am aware of another genius restorer in the UK but financially…..forget it!!!!, and he wouldn’t take it onanyway. Sorry can’t be of much help.

My Kinnoto….(since sold) and my bronze of Sakamoto Ryoma. Apologies for further topic drift,

You really are sad Jacques. A scientist with intelligence playing silly semantics when you would be better to leave it alone. Arguing about one word and ignoring the actual issue under debate. Oh well if it makes you happy……yes you are right.

Hi Eric, not sure in what context you use the phrase “patriotic swords” in Japan. You mention Kinnoto…..I believe that word is usually applied to a particular style of sword that was allegedly worn by supporters of the Emperor preceding and during the Meiji restoration. They are very long, very straight and with an exaggerated long nakago. I would not think the Japanese would react unfavourably if it was that type of sword you were referring to. On the other hand if you were hinting at WW2 material with patriotic nakago inscriptions then that could well cause a reaction. Many Japanese want to let sleeping dogs lie as far as WW2 is concerned. Just some thoughts.

For our insulting keyboard warrior @Jacques who cannot see that this sugata clearly appears to be suriage nor is he able to see it clearly appears to be deformed with a downward stoop in the monouchi. You just keep digging mate.

What is the difference between clearly appears and appears in these images? It’s bloody clear to me ……maybe you need glasses. Jacques, you make yourself look a complete idiot and please don’t call me dishonest because I am not. You are now directly calling me incompetent and dishonest. Is that the limit of your massive scientific intelligence?

Read what I said. “Appears”. “Possibly”

Always the best reason to buy anything.

Yves, sorry to say I agree with Mauro…..it is gimei and nowhere near the quality and artistry you would expect from Hamano school.

@Jake6500…..Why hijack Yves thread? He came on here asking for opinions on the Mei of his fuchi kashira!…and then in you crash with your stuff so we end up looking at yours and chasing the possible theme on yours etc and Yves gets no answers.

I have no idea why @Jacques is comparing the sugata of an ubu sword to another that clearly appears to be suriage and possibly o-suriage. That is nonsensical.

Buy first, wonder about it later🙂

You have to give us a price.

Your thoughts echo many others Alex.

Pure guess…..crashing waves. Beautiful iron texture imo.

I believe all of these were made in a”studio” environment where many artists collaborated but it is reasonable to think that there were specialists….maybe on faces especially. I don’t think just one artist made each panel.

These plaques are Meiji period and yes, they were made in large numbers aimed at the gaijin/export market. Your is most likely one of a pair (usually sold in pairs) as suggested by the figures both looking one way. It’s pair would show whatever it was they were looking at.. The one shown is of good quality The carving in the figures (Ivory or bone) is highly detailed. Many are surprisingly low quality made quickly whilst some are truly stunning…..this one looks to have all its inlay….often areas fall out and are a sod to restore. You will find quite a few in this link…. https://www.bonhams....uery=Shibayama+panel

@Bugyotsuji Agreed Piers, almost certainly percussion lock as per one of the ones you show. Easier to see if you enlarge one of the images Probably the rarest kozuka subject I’ve ever seen and with the backstory it’s probably worth the money. If I was buying and not selling…… Brian, sorry to hear of the eye trouble, hope something can be done to help.

@Brian @Bugyotsuji I am thin ice and probably need my eyes tested but is that a left handed gun? The cheek rest is on the side for a normal right handed shooter as is the lock (only partially visible on the other side?) ….and is the geometry correct for a percussion lock? Is that a frizzen I see and the remains (?) of a cock with the top jaw missing but jaw screw intact Possibly depicted with the lock facing away to avoid all the work in actually carving the complex lock….or maybe the now absent Kogai had it facing the other way with lock visible. I know I know stop being pedantic🙂🙂 OK…I’m waiting to be made a fool of! 🙂