Are these Mon or zodiac signs or something else?

[shan]

Hello.

I have these fittings on a saya and Tsuka and i wondered if anyone had seen something like them before?

I am not sure that they are mon although the Hatano clan mon appears to be one of them.

I thought maybe mythical beasts and people from folklore was another option.

I would appreciate any information that you can supply.

regards

Shan

 

 

 

[IanB]

Shan, Although the tsuru in a circle id often used as a kamon (including JAL), the other motifs suggest that in this case they are just designs. I do recognise the 7 (or is it 5) tailed fox. That is a folklore story. Sadly some **** 'borrowed my copy of 'Legends in Japanese Art' and has never been seen again so I cannot look the reference up.

Ian Bottomley

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Ian,

 

You can access the online complete copy of Legend in Japanese Art by going to the link on this very site courtesy of Brian.

 

Go to General Nihonto Related Discussion.

 

The first Announcement has the links through to the various classic books.

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

[shan]

Thanks Guys.

regards

shan