Kanji on Abumi

[Shimazu]

Hello,

 

I hope a question about abumi is appropriate for the NMB.

 

Unlike any other abumi I have, these have kanji located prominently on their front face. My reading is 中村恵賢, with the last kanji being in doubt. It is not quite the same as on the abumi, the upper left element appearing different, but I can’t find anything closer. Assuming I have the last kanji is correct, a possible reading of these kanji is Nakamura Keiken.

 

My questions are:

 

* What is the correct last kanji?

* Is this a signature, or something else? It seems to be in a very prominent position for a signature, especially on a piece that was owned by somebody that could afford these. I have been unable to locate any artist or place using these kanji.

 

Thanks,

Jack E

[Bugyotsuji]

They are beautiful! There is someone I am meeting on Sunday who might be able to answer your question, but he doesn't have e-mail so I will wait till then and look for an opportunity if I am not too drunk.

[John A Stuart]

I think you have the correct kanji. 中村恵賢 Nakamura, probably and Shigetaka among many readings. So, Nakamura Shigetaka??? John

[Shimazu]

Thanks Piers, that would be much appreciated!

 

Jack E

[Shimazu]

John, I like the Shigetaka reading better (if it's even a name). I don't know why I chose Keiken. As you said, there are many possibilities.

 

Thanks,

[John A Stuart]

Hi jack, It must be a name; it makes no real sense otherwise. John

[kusunokimasahige]

Simply gorgeous Abumi !!

 

 

KM

[Brian]

Sheesh. This guy has 5 posts...about 2 items..and both of them are gorgeous!

Jack...you trying to make us all jealous? :lol:

You have good tastes.

 

Brian

[Shimazu]

Hi Brien,

 

Thank you, I am happy you like the two items I have posted questions about. When I stumbled on the thread “Kabuto any thoughts” in the Katchu section, discussing kabuto looking very similar to my only helmet, I decided it was time to join this excellent board, get brave, and ask some questions.

 

Though I collect abumi, this pair being my favorite, I have virtually no information on them. For years I have been wondering why these had a “signature” on the front, and just what it meant.

 

I have been a longtime reader of NMB, and have been quite impressed by the level of discussion in all of the various sections I have looked at. I have also been impressed with the smoothness with which this board generally runs.

 

Hopefully I will be able to contribute something to this forum in the future, and not just ask questions.

[Shimazu]

Oops, Brian, not Brien. Sorry

[Bugyotsuji]

Showed your Abumi to an expert in Japanese armour/armor today.

They look like Kaga work he said, and the name there is typical of Kaga Zogan artists. The Abumi themselves are Edo, he said, and he made a note of the name and promised to find out more and let me know.

[Shimazu]

Wow, thank you Piers!

 

I have been collecting abumi for years, and, so far, I only have one book that covers abumi (Kaga Han no Wasa to dezein KATCHU – ABUMI - TOSOGU). It is in Japanese with many photos, but, other than names, dates and terms, the majority of the text is completely lost to me, as I do not speak Japanese. I have almost given up learning much more about Abumi.

 

I truly appreciate you showing these abumi to a Japanese expert. I will watch this thread for anything you are able to relay back to me/us.

 

Thanks again,

[Bugyotsuji]

Jack, I know even less, but I had seen an article by this guy the other day where he was discussing Abumi, so that is why I suspected he might be able to tell me something. The one thing I gathered as I flicked through his article is that the longer the Abumi are, the more age they are likely to have. There were illustrations with measurements explaining some of the salient features. (Maybe I should have a quick read up in Sasama's Bugu Jiten.)

[Bugyotsuji]

Jack, there are several pages in Sasama showing some evolution in Abumi, pp 411-422.

 

In another book I found a detailed illustration with the names of the Abumi parts. Do you need the readings in English?

[Bugyotsuji]

Oops, there's an illustration on p416 in Sasama too.

[Bugyotsuji]

A friend's set.

[ROKUJURO]

I guess these fall in the same range as a Bugatti or a cheap Lamborghini today! Gorgeous! Thanks for letting us participate!

[John A Stuart]

Wow!! Fabulous. John

[Shimazu]

Piers, Thank you for the references, diagrams and info. I don’t have the books you mention, and appreciate you posting the diagrams. I am able to translate the labels on the diagrams, so at least for me, you don’t need to bother translating them.

 

Your comment that older abumi are generally longer than newer abumi is very interesting and valuable information, something I will eagerly investigate.

 

The lacquered Kura and Abumi you posted are beautiful, and bring up another question I have had for a long time. Every pair of lacquered abumi I have ever seen has a “three diamond” pattern just under the ‘buckle’ on the side facing away from the horse. I have never seen this mark on the matching saddle. Does anybody know the significance of this design on lacquered abumi?

 

Thanks,

[estcrh]

  Bugyotsuji said:

Jack, there are several pages in Sasama showing some evolution in Abumi, pp 411-422.

 

In another book I found a detailed illustration with the names of the Abumi parts. Do you need the readings in English?

Piers, I just saw this post, if you ever get a chance to list the translations it would be helpful, nice diagrams, thanks.

[Toryu2020]

Jack -

i have nearly all of Sasama Sensei's books, if you want i am happy to bring some along to upcoming meetings. i have other references on abumi i am willing to share, PM if you think i can help...

-t

[Baka Gaijin]

Morning Jack E.

 

The design on the side of the Abumi looks a little like the Kamon called Sangai Bishi.

 

Cheers