kabura-ya

[rematron]

Alright, first time posting in 'Wanted to Buy'.  I am looking for an antique kabura-ya (the turnip-headed whistling signal/intimidation arrowhead).  I've searched a little bit but haven't found one for sale yet.  Honestly, I have zero idea how rare these are or what price range they go for if you can find them.  Any information or suggested reading would be much appreciated.  Thank you!

[Bugyotsuji]

No information really, but they do come up occasionally, in various conditions from terrible to stunning. You'll occasionally see a nice one in a museum too. I had the remains of one that looked like a... a hyena with scabies and mange, but even that was an artefact.

 

No need to hurry, I am sure your day will come. In the meantime the good people here will probably keep an eye out for you if one flags up. Good luck!

[rematron]

Thank you, Piers!  Yes, the only Japanese one I can find at all for sale is this modern ‘tribute’ item. Not even sure if it is functional. True enough that there is no need to hurry, though. Thank you for your words of encouragement. 
 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363280990236?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=xf4p-bfssgq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=teIJusuOQ82&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[ROKUJURO]

Jeremy,

these arrows are not used often nowadays, but I know that they served a purpose in ceremonies. When our SENSEI inaugurated a new KYÛ DÔJÔ in Germany, he shot a KABURA-YA over the roof to protect the building from bad luck and evil spirits. 

Many years ago I made one myself which worked well after some trials and changes in design, but they get easily damaged or even destroyed if they hit something hard which you cannot avoid in all cases. This may be the reason that they are rarely seen in good condition.

I don't think you will find one outside of Japan.