Mei Inquiry On Kabuto

[Nickupero]

Hi Katchu enthusiasts, reaching out because I don't have much resources with regards to armorers mei's. 

I have a kabuto by what I think is Myochin Muneyasu... he was active mid Edo, correct? If its possible to get as much info about him and this piece it would be much appreciated. 

 

[SteveM]

Hello Nick,

 

I guess you already know this, but the mei says

土州住明珍大江紀宗安

Doshū jū Myōchin Ōe Ki-no-Muneyasu

[Nickupero]

Thank you Steve, actually I didn't do the complete translation yet so again a big thank you for that.

Now that we have his complete mei it was a background of the smith that I was after since I lack literature with relation to katchu.

Looking forward to finding out more, thank you in advance for those who chime in.

[uwe]

Hi Nick,

 

Seve is right!

This smith dates back to the mid Edo period (approximately 1751-1764). He lived in Kôchi in Tosa province and was called "Ôe". It is said that he was a student of 27th generation "Munemasa".

Hope that helps a bit!

[IanB]

I can not anything more. Uwe has said it.except that it looks an extremely fine helmet with a very unusual shikoro.

Ian Bottomey

[Shogun8]

Nice kabuto, Nick! I've been trying to access your website but can't - under renovation?

[Nickupero]

Sorry John, just contacted my hosting and the issue has been resolved. It had to do with a mix up with my old website being integrated. Should be working well now.

Thank you Uwe and Ian, it helps a lot. The proportions on this kabuto are spectacular and for those attending the Samurai Art Expo will have the opportunity to view it in hand. I wanted to know more about what I had before the gents over there tell me in person

[uwe]

....

The four sections formed by the "hagi-ita" remindes me of the "shiho jiro" type, despite the absence of shinodare. Likewise the large "tehen" seems to be a reminiscence to older helmets, from the Kamakura period for example...

[Nickupero]

I was told that this piece was more of a challenge task (somewhat Utsushi) for the smith, to make a much older piece from Nanbokucho period... and typically the smiths only had old books/drawings to go by so its Muneyasu's interpretation. Not sure how accurate that assumption is.