Antique Japanese Arrow Quiver

[drac2k]

I did a little research on this quiver and I believe that it bears the mon of the Jinb-o Clan whose leader( Jinb-o Nagamoto) was a Daimyo of the Eitchu Provence in the 16th Century. The clan was engaged in numerous battles and cease to be of prominence in the 17th century. I know that it is missing the cover and it needs some restoration, but how old is this item? Can it be restored and by whom and is worth doing so.

[ROKUJURO]

David,

this is an UTSUBO in seemingly deplorable condition. It looks to be covered with AOGAI (HALIOTIS mother-of-pearl). I don't think you can relate it to the 17th century; it is probably much younger. THE MON is not helpful for dating the item. This can only be done by an expert. 

Restoration can be done in Japan by lacquer specialists, but I have no exact idea about possible costs which might exceed the value of the item by far. 

Just as side information: The arrows were positioned in an UTSUBO 'feathers-up', so that the arrows were pulled by the tip.

[drac2k]

Thanks for the information.

[uwe]

David,

 

the mon is called “Maru ni tate futatsubiki”  and was used by several families. For example: Akita, Arai, Iijima, Iwaki, Nakamura, Nobe, Otsuka, Shinozawa….
So it is, more or less, impossible to pin down the actual clan only by a single mon!

[Bugyotsuji]

Sadly I would have to agree with the opinions above. 

[drac2k]

Thanks guys, that is why I posted it here  was to hear the truth. Not everything is a treasure and I should have realized that it wouldn't be so easy as to look up a mon and find the clan and the age of such a thing.

[ROKUJURO]

David,

the sad thing is that your UTSUBO is potentially quite special and a possible treasure if it was complete and in good condition! The AOGAI surface decoration is a lot of work and was never cheap to have. The quiver was not well cared for so it lost most of its beauty and value.

In almost all cases of neglect that we are shown here on the NMB - be that blades, metal hardware, wooden constructions like SAYA, or surfaces like lacquer and patina - the main factors that caused this are disinterest and ignorance.

This forum tries to inform about the importance of the preservation of special objects of arts and crafts. Only information can keep someone from damaging a unique and irreplaceable item.  

[Bugyotsuji]

Of course if you love something enough, a professional restoration becomes not only possible, but pleasurable, sourcing or recreating a new lid, and completing the appropriate bindings/stringing, etc. and learning so much in the process. What else is money for? 

[drac2k]

Once again all of the comments are appreciated and while the UTSUBO may have lost most of its value, to me it still retains a great deal of its beauty.

 

In  regards, to having it restored, I think you guys have talked me out of it as I would rather apply my resources elsewhere , i.e.  swords, armor, etc. I will now put it upstairs in my collection room, and maybe later on pass it to someone who wishes to take on that endeavor.