estcrh Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 My contribution to objects used for lighting, the bura-chochin collapsible lantern, and a link so a nice little collection of Japanese lanterns. http://rulifson.org/andon/thumbnails.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watsonmil Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 Dear Eric, VERY nice indeed, ... it begs the question, .... where the hell to you store all of your goodies. :D ? ... Ron Watson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted July 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 Agreed, and in good condition too. Thank you Ron for asking just the right questions. :lol: And no, now is not the time for me to come back with something similar. I do have an eclectic collection of Edo lighting artifacts as this is a sort of sub hobby, and being right proud of them I was indeed planning to post them here in the Edo Corner a couple of years back, but it didn't happen. One day I will (like Ian but on a lesser scale) catalogue them and shoot them for my own satisfaction, and more so for the further edification of the honourable members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kusunokimasahige Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 Piers/Eric, do you know if any original Japanese flashlight/torch style handheld lanterns are still around ? I mean the ones you see used at night in Chushingura etc... A lantern part with an inverted bucket shape part which beams out the light... No images, sorry... KM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estcrh Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 Piers/Eric, do you know if any original Japanese flashlight/torch style handheld lanterns are still around ? I mean the ones you see used at night in Chushingura etc... A lantern part with an inverted bucket shape part which beams out the light... No images, sorry... KM Henk, do you mean a gando? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted July 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 They are not common but I have seen one or two this year. (Visited maybe 20 or 30 antiques markets) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kusunokimasahige Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 That is exactly what I meant !! Thank you ! never seen an original, only the film stuff and was always curious about them KM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted July 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 That is exactly what I meant !! Thank you ! never seen an original, only the film stuff and was always curious about them KM Those few that I have seen tend to be in very poor condition. They may have repairs or restoration, and I usually find myself wondering whether they are not reproductions... plus the dealer often puts a hard sell and a high price on it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estcrh Posted July 19, 2011 Report Share Posted July 19, 2011 Dear Eric, VERY nice indeed, ... it begs the question, .... where the hell to you store all of your goodies. :D ? ... Ron Watson Ron, I am lucky enough to have the use of a very secure vacant condo in Atlanta, far away from the crime and hurricanes of New Orleans, I wonder the same thing about you guys, especially Piers, I have the image of his office being a secret store room over flowing with treasures from the various antique stores he knows about...Im jealous. Henk, here is the other side on my gando, it seems to be missing a handle, a piece of old tin should fix that, and I collected some images for you. http://s831.photobucket.com/albums/zz23 ... ?start=all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kusunokimasahige Posted July 19, 2011 Report Share Posted July 19, 2011 Thank you very much eric !! yes it misses a handle if i compare it to the ones which i saw in motion pictures as well as on ancient prints and model kits. I was lucky to obtain almost the entire Aoshima 1/35 Samurai collection. Still missing a few boxes though... http://www.droichead.net/sashimono/samu ... aetze.html The photos in the link you posted are great ! Perfect to make a replica If you have any measurements that would be most welcome !! KM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watsonmil Posted July 20, 2011 Report Share Posted July 20, 2011 Dear Piers, Ian, et al : Back on page 113 of This Week's Edo Period Corner, ... I/We were discussing a dried out Gun Case I have and which I want to preserve and soften the leather. I had noticed some indications of rot developing as well, therefore the haste in finding a suitable method of restoration. I promised to get back to the forum with the results and method of restoration so here goes : I did some Internet Research and found a company that specializes in leather preservation and conditioning. The Company name is : Preservation Solutions, LLC, Golden, Colorado 80403, USA WEB SITE : http://www.preservation-solutions.com I spoke some length with their technical experts and were advised that the product they recommended was developed for Museums. The product name : Leather Rejuvenator. 1st. I removed the stitching so as to get a better working surface. 2nd I slowly stretched the two halves apart over a period of three days. 3rd. Following their instructions I lightly dampened the inside surface of the case with luke warm water using a sponge. The whole gun case was then sealed in plastic for 6 hours to allow the leather to soften. 4th. After removing the case from the plastic wrap, I found it had softened to the point that I was now able to lay the whole case on it's back and spread the two leather halves apart without fear of tearing. 5th. Using a sponge BRUSH I applied a generous coating of Leather Rejuvenator to the leather. As per instructions the case was once again wrapped in plastic and left for 24 hours for the chemical reaction to take place. 6th. After the 24 hours were up, I removed the case and allowed it to dry slowly at around 65 degrees F for a couple of days. Since it felt dry to the touch, yet supple I felt it ready to proceed with the next step in my restoration / preservation approach. Given that I had noticed some rot setting into the leather I decided to add a leather liner to give the leather strength and preserve the case. 7th. I acquired a suitable piece of tanned calf hide ( leather ), .... and cutting this to fit the inside of the gun case. 8th. I applied Contact Cement to both the inside of the gun case and to one side of the calf hide and then very carefully applied the calf hide to my inside gun case. This I allowed to dry for 24 hours carefully pressing the inside and the outside of the gun case together to make sure I had a good bond. 9th. Since it appeared the next day that I had a good bond, and that the case was flexible and still supple, .... I re-stitched the case using the same holes that were original to the old stitching. 10th. I now inserted the 8 monme tanegashima, and voila it fit like a glove. I have left the tanegashima inserted for well over a week now, ... and today removed it to see if the leather was still supple or whether it had dried out around the form of the gun. The gun was withdrawn with ease and the leather appears to be both supple and strong. Although it was a shame to have to use a liner, ... I feel this was the correct choice in order to preserve this rather rare artifact for my enjoyment as well as future collectors enjoyment. I hope you all learned a little, ... and of course I will gladly answer any questions. I am also happy to entertain criticisms. Submitted with respect for NMB members, ... Ron Watson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted July 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2011 Personally I think you have done a sterling job, Ron. Many thanks for the report. I am most jealous of your gun case and what you have done with it. Excellent results and a new life can ensue! In a leather shop the other day I asked about restoring leather with urushi on one side and the lady looked doubtful. You took the bull by the horns! Incidentally I found a long brown one with Kamon on it the other day and asked if the owner would part with it. Slightly ripped but otherwise in good condition. Sadly he refused. He often gives in with a bit of extra persuasion, but I was surprised by his resistance this time. It's 'Shiryo' he said, vaguely meaning ''research material', with overtones of 'proof of something that existed' or 'a rare example for future generations which should really be preserved and kept' ie... 'not for sale'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watsonmil Posted July 21, 2011 Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 Dear Piers, The Urushi was the major worry, ... I had great fears that the Leather Rejuvenator might cause the urushi to soften and peel away, or worse yet dissolve ! I was careful to try a small area first to see if this might happen ( thankfully it did not ). The second great worry was how the contact cement might not stick to the treated leather ( so far so good ) ... thankfully ! In fact any spots where the urushi was flaking previously on weakened spots were stablilized to the leather treated with the contact cement. ALL in all so far I am quite pleased with the product and the results. Surely after this many weeks I should have seen any problems that were if they were going to arise. I am hoping Ian will step in here as well and give me a little reassurance as I know he has considerable experience with Museum conservation. With respect to the Gun Case you seen the other day, .... patience and determination are the key to acquiring a given artifact. The Naginata that I own took a full 10 years of haggling before I acquired it ! ... Ron Watson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estcrh Posted July 21, 2011 Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 Ron, a fantastic job on a really rare item, I have never seen one for sale, great info for anyone who has a leather item that needs some restoration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazza Posted July 21, 2011 Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 I am most jealous of your gun case and what you have done with it. Excellent results and a new life can ensue! I am most jealous of the gun!!! Ron, it looks like a Kunitomo piece; at least, it appears nearly identical to my Kunitomo gun signed KATSUMASA. Is yours signed?? I love these shorter, heavier pieces with the internal coil spring. Very neat, streamlined appearance. Regards, Barry Thomas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watsonmil Posted July 21, 2011 Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 Dear Barry, A discussion on the Tanegashima depicted can be found by looking up : An Interesting 8 Monme Tanegashima ... under General Nihonto Related Discussion ... April 29, 2010 ... Ron Watson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanB Posted July 21, 2011 Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 Ron, Well done. I am so pleased everything worked out for you. You now have a delightful set. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estcrh Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 I ran into this item and a drawing of how it was supposed to be used, first the item, any guesses? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanjuro Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Head strap carrier? the ends are attached by a cord that stops the ends from drifting apart too far, but I suspect that there is a rod goes between the two ends through the loops. The centre is placed on the forehead and the ends hang down behind and can be used to carry stuff around. (Probably way out on this guess). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estcrh Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Actually Keith your in the right direction. I have never seen a sword holder like this before, maybe someone here has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanjuro Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Hi Eric. Your illustration is of a Magiri of the Ainu. This was the baldric that was commonly used to wear an Ainu sword. Theres an illustration in 'Sword and Same' on the illustration page facing page 45. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thierry BERNARD Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 http://www.fmnh.org/research_collections/anthropology/anthro_sites/boone/ainu/ainu_com/ainu_com14.html http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/IH017393/nineteenth-century-ainu-sword-carrier http://www.e-budo.com/pics/Ainuclan.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estcrh Posted July 27, 2011 Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 Thanks for the Ainu information guys, a very interesting subject, I wish there was more information available on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted July 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 Agreed. They were the closest next door neighbour and shared much with each other, but unfortunately very little was recorded and the Ainu lost everything. (A bit like the native Indian tribes as the white settlers moving west?) There are interesting materials available, but I suspect much of it is still in Japanese. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted August 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2011 From the Ainu to a city recovering from nights of riots. This is a huge stab in the dark, but I have been looking for images of (mythical?) umi no kaibutsu, or sea creatures from the Edo Period. I know that fishermen around the coasts of Japan referred to sharks as Same' and Fuka, yes, but also as "Wani", a word we nowadays know means alligator/crocodile. Wani seems to be a very old word, perhaps illustrating a water creature with rows of teeth. (Wa = Ha?) I remember seeing an illustration once of Wani in a Hyo-ryu-ki or narrative of people washed away from the shores of Japan. It was obvious that the artist had seen neither and had come up with a composite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Posted August 13, 2011 Report Share Posted August 13, 2011 Not sure if this is it but I had this link saved, described as being Meiji Period and looks to be a Meiji period Weekly World News or National Enquirer (google Bat Boy for a god laugh) : For a brief period in the mid-1870s, artistic woodblock prints known as "newspaper nishiki-e" were a popular form of mass entertainment in Japan. These colrful prints fed the public's enormous appetite for sensationalism by retelling shocking stories culled from the major newspapers of the day. The Meiji government swiftly cracked down on the publishers of these "unofficial" sources of information, causing them to disappear as quickly as they had appeared, but not before hundreds of issues had been published and circulated around Japan. While newspaper nishiki-e most often retold stories of scandalous or heinous crimes, they occasionally presented accounts of monsters, ghosts and mysterious happenings, such as the ones included here. http://pinktentacle.com/2008/10/monster ... ws-prints/ source http://www.wul.waseda.ac.jp/kosho/bunko ... index.html Not what you were looking for, but the same blog had some other good posts of Supernatural/mythological prints so I figured I'd add them: http://pinktentacle.com/2011/03/monster ... utsu-ehon/ http://pinktentacle.com/2011/04/namazu- ... sh-prints/ http://pinktentacle.com/2010/04/kaikida ... er-scroll/ I'd love to see sword fittings with these kinds of themes on them, even if they are considered Meiji export pieces Regards, Lance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted August 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2011 Not quite there yet, but you have found a great variety of ghouls there, Lance. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baka Gaijin Posted August 14, 2011 Report Share Posted August 14, 2011 Morning all Here's an interesting link, use the Nav bar at the top to access the creatures and ghosts (Some are Manga based, but there is sufficient Folk Tale content to warrant a general look). http://www.obakemono.com/ Cheers Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugyotsuji Posted August 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2011 The Bake' Kujira is intriguing, Malcolm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estcrh Posted September 16, 2011 Report Share Posted September 16, 2011 Recently I purchased this pair of Kiahan or kyahan on ebay, I also bought this kobakama from the same seller but separate from the kiahan. When the items arrived I started to photograph them when I noticed that the kiahan and the kobakama were a matched set. I makes me mad that someone would not sell matched items together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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