Kagamibuta Netsuke ...

[docliss]

While I am reluctant to compromise the commitment to nihontō of the NMB, I feel that the study of kagamibuta netsuka (鏡蓋根付) should not go unrecognised by its members.  These are defined as 'mirror-lid netsuke' - shaped like a manjū, but with a metal disc serving as a lid to a shallow bowl, usually of ivory.  This disc is often highly decorated with a wide variety of metallurgical techniques which, with the exception of nanako,  mirror those used in the construction of tosōgu.

 

Some makers of sword furniture also utilised those same skills in making kagamibuta, and many reverted to this after the issue, in 1876, of the Haitōrei edict

 

John L

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Some rather splendid examples. Thanks for sharing.