Alternative tsukamaki wrapping (leather)?

[Mikaveli]

So, after watching a couple of old films (1962's Harakiri and 1955's Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji), I noticed a few of the main characters tsukas were wrapped in what appeared to be a single, flat piece of black leather (smooth, not twisted strands) - rather than Ito cord etc.

 

Now, I've basically come to expect Tsuka Ito as the default - but was this always the case? ...or, am I just noticing film prop details that aren't relevant to real nihonto or the period?

[mas4t0]

Katate-maki or Hira-maki perhaps?

 

A more utilitarian mount would make sense I think for a destitute character.

 

Some screenshots would help.

 

Here's a link showing a few different styles. 

 

 

[Geraint]

Dear Michael.

 

There are a huge range of styles and materials used for this, just when you think you have seen them all another pops up.  I'm quite partial to this style.

 

From your desvciption it sounds as though what you are seeing is plainer than this, as Mark suggests a scren shot will help.

 

All the best.

 

[Baka Gaijin]

Gangi maki perhaps?

 

Sometimes referred to as "Musashi Maki"

 

 

[Mikaveli]

11 hours ago, Geraint said:

Dear Michael.

 

There are a huge range of styles and materials used for this, just when you think you have seen them all another pops up.  I'm quite partial to this style.

 

From your desvciption it sounds as though what you are seeing is plainer than this, as Mark suggests a scren shot will help.

 

All the best.

 

What material is that - and how does it adhere to the Tsuka?

[Mikaveli]

So, after capturing a screenshot, it doesn't look quite how I remembered, but still appears to be ribbed, rather than wrapped cord?

Appreciate it's not the highest res image, but any shared knowledge is very welcome.

[Tensho]

Gangi-maki is my guess as well. Here is a papered example from Muromachi period. 

[waljamada]

17 hours ago, Geraint said:

Dear Michael.

 

There are a huge range of styles and materials used for this, just when you think you have seen them all another pops up.  I'm quite partial to this style.

 

From your desvciption it sounds as though what you are seeing is plainer than this, as Mark suggests a scren shot will help.

 

All the best.

 

Geraint,

I have a tsuka like that but don't know what the wrapping material is.  What are those typically made of?  I thought it felt maybe like leather.  Your example though looks like one solid piece.

[ckaiserca]

6 hours ago, Mikaveli said:

What material is that - and how does it adhere to the Tsuka?

I think that is whale baleen. 

[waljamada]

3 minutes ago, waljamada said:

Geraint,

I have a tsuka like that but don't know what the wrapping material is.  What are those typically made of?  I thought it felt maybe like leather.  Your example though looks like one solid piece.

 

[Geraint]

Dea Michael

 

 

 

 

The first exmple is lacquered leather to match the saya colour.  @Charles I don't think baleen, that presents as thin, slightly shiny strands, often found on tanto koshirae.  Looks almost like a plastic.

@Adam, I really like your tsuka, certainly looks like leather.  I have two wakizashi mounted in rather similar ways, the one I posted I am fairly sure is leather, but lacquered.  The other is more of a puzzle as on close inspection I think I can see a grid pattern under the surface so perhaps a thin leather wrapped around a woven tape for greater strength.

 

 

 

Enjoying this thread guys, keep them coming!

[george trotter]

Interesting thread. Just to add to this ...I am interested in WWII examples. Here is the gangi-maki hilt from my WWII gendaito. Not sure what the binding is...seems leather.

I have seen 2 other WWII like this ... not common, but they do exist...all have been true gendaito.

Regards

[waljamada]

George,

 

Have a type 3 gunto saya kinda wrapped like that.

[waljamada]

Also have these, love this style of wrap.

[george trotter]

Hi Adam,

yes I have seen that "wrapped" saya as well - also was on a Type 3 mount with RJT star stamped? blade. Hilt was the typical lacquered Type 3 binding style.

Regards,

PS...the two other examples I saw mounted gangi-maki like mine were both private order swords...not sure if this is important, but one was 23rd Gen Seki Kanefusa (OA pic) and the other is owned by a member here I think...it is by Ikkansai Kuniteru (hilt pic).