Davis Posted November 14, 2013 Report Posted November 14, 2013 Hi I thought this might be of some interest to collectors of military swords. regards Mick
cabowen Posted November 14, 2013 Report Posted November 14, 2013 So that's why they made the baby Nambu....
John A Stuart Posted November 14, 2013 Report Posted November 14, 2013 I know the tsuka was overlayed in white during funeral/mourning period rites. Is this boy holding a sword, maybe, of his dead father or brother? No matter whether it was war or where the just cause lay, indeed, quite sad. John
Kai-Gunto Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 He dosnt look sad. I think he holds his father sword and wearing his gear before he was sent to war.
Brian Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Agree. Also don't think it is sad. At that time, he was probably proud and patriotic. Later history doesn't change the moment. A kid proud of his dad fighting for his country. Interesting and unique photo, thanks for sharing. Brian
Dr Fox Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 I would think that sword could have been something special. It appears to have its original saya, with the combat cover tailored to expose the kurigata. Was this unusual?
Toryu2020 Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Sad! Even then Japanese school-kids had to wear shorts in the winter!! -t
Dr Fox Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Further to my previous, checking in a Fuller and Gregory, there is an example at page 34, plate 37. And what looks to be another at page 105, plate112 (4th sword in). Also is it not normal, that the press studs on the combat cover, face out when the sword is worn?
pcfarrar Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 I would think that sword could have been something special. It appears to have its original saya, with the combat cover tailored to expose the kurigata. Was this unusual? No its not uncommon I have a couple of swords like that and have seen plenty.
Ford Hallam Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 In my opinion, while the child may well have felt proud at the time (being oblivious of reality and completely brainwashed) the photo itself does portray something profoundly tragic. There is absolutely nothing glorious or noble about teaching children to honour war, especially expansionist war.
ROKUJURO Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Ford, thank you! These were exactly my thoughts, but I could not express it properly! Wilfred Owen: ....My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. These lines will do. Sorry for the OT.
Brian Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Opinions, everyone has one About time I lock this one. Brian
Stephen Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Right Brian, too bad we cant keep the ones not relevant to the sword out of the fray. Does one not think this a wak? Short in comparison to the proud boy.
Dr Fox Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Excuse me gentlemen, I am ducking out of this one, its going places I don't want to go. Cheers.
Ford Hallam Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Brian, so you hear an opinion you don't like so you propose locking the thread.....revealing. Steven, there is no discussion on the sword....the photo is of a boy holding a sword that none of us can really guess at..... what is there to talk about? Only the photo itself and what it portrays and represents.
Stephen Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Fourd OP Hi I thought this might be of some interest to collectors of military swords. regards Mick some interest to collectors of Military ...ect. Not a question at all about your political views...Heck i stand by my brothers in arms and patriotism to my country,even though on the large scale it makes us a Warring Nation in the eyes of many around the world and its true....why bring that into it. ???
Ford Hallam Posted November 15, 2013 Report Posted November 15, 2013 Stephen, and how, exactly, would that photo be of interest to anyone other than with respect to the situation presented?. The sword itself is merely a prop.... And this is not about politics ( to suggest so is merely dishonest) nor is it about patriotism. What would that poor child know of either? Frankly I'm appalled that you'd even bring contemporary military and nationalistic issues into this discussion....have we learned nothing? "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana
kusunokimasahige Posted November 16, 2013 Report Posted November 16, 2013 My historical view is that this is a photo which depicts a young Japanese boy during or before WWII with a sword (of his father or some other family member) who either is deceased (white wrapped hilt) or it is another colour which we cannot distill due to the fact it is a black and white image. Of course there is more to say, but one should not read into it. It portrays several things, one of them being the way in which kids in Japan were militarized before and during the second world war. You could say it is about as sad as this image : But not as sad as this one : There are stories behind these photos. Real people. Never forget that. It is the stories behind these photos as well as the warnings incorporated in the history surrounding these images and stories which should be heeded. KM P.S. : Is this also sad ? I will leave that up to the viewer.
Brian Posted November 16, 2013 Report Posted November 16, 2013 Brian, so you hear an opinion you don't like so you propose locking the thread.....revealing. No Ford. I am locking it because as Admin, it wouldn't be right of me to post my own views and perhaps offend some of the blind pacifists or wannabe hippies. Oops....you see, it has started already. So I prefer to myself by locking the thread. It's a sacrifice I prefer to make. Not quite censorship, old chap. Brian
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