Possible use of the Kogai?

[Dan tsuba]

Hello all,

 

So, just another thought here!

 

The Kogai,

 

So, on both sides of the saya there can be a slot for a Kogatana and Kogai.  If there was only one slot in the saya it was probably used for the small knife (Kogatana) and not the Kogai.

 

Now, in all the research I have done it states that a Kogai was a hair arranging implement (and maybe to clean one’s ears). 

 

My question is when the samurai went into battle where they that concerned about their hair arrangement and ear wax?

 

I also collect Kukri knives.  These are the large knives (of old and currently) used by the Gurkha warriors of Nepal.  Now in their sheaths they also carry two small knives.  One is a Karda (small sharp utility knife -similar to the Japanese Kogatana but smaller in size) and the other is the Chakmak (a dull knife on both sides – like the Japanese Kogai but shorter- which was used to sharpen the Kukri blade during “emergency” purposes).  So, is it a coincidence that another warrior type weapon has two knives in the sheath (or saya)?

 

Could the Japanese samurai’s Kogai original purpose have been to be used as an emergency sharpening tool for their blades after battle (just like the Gurkha’s Chakmak)?

 

I mean, personally, I would be more concerned with sharpening my sword after battle, and before the next battle (if it got dull or damaged) than with my hair arrangement or ear wax.  But hey, that is just me!

 

I don’t know, just an interesting thought and question!

 

The adventure continues!

 

With respect,

Dan

[shakudo]

Hi Dan,

I have never come across a kogai that would sharpen a blade - all have been non ferrous.

Dont forget the dandyism in relation to samurai- was a big thing to look special!

Cheers

[Bugyotsuji]

Two smaller tools in the main sheath alongside a larger blade seem common to many cultures, including the Scottish Skean-dhu, and Mongolian blades, but specific uses will have varied between cultures. I too have never come across a kogai acting as a metal sharpener, but I have heard that they were most useful for scratching the scalp (e.g. under a kabuto) in a time when little creatures were more common.

 

Good question, though. It might be possible that they had such a sharpening role, and we do find examples of iron kogai, but sharpening in Japan was traditionally done on stone(s), specialist ones if available, but ordinary stones if not.

 

One of the little stone bridges in the Korakuen Garden was made of a special stone that could be used for sharpening blades in a time of conflict, apparently.

 

Also we find many 割り笄 wari-kogai which split down the middle to become chopsticks, useful for picking up small objects, including food.

[Grey Doffin]

How many soldiers, men actually doing the fighting, would have worn swords with kogai? Not many, I bet. I think swords with kogai were largely worn by Samurai who didn't get their hands dirty

Grey

[sabiji]

Since the kogai was usually placed in the side of the saya facing away from the body (in contrast to the kozuka/kogatana), the presence of this "full equipment" is more likely to be found in the civilian sector. According to the motto, look here, I can afford it, I have taste.

Especially wakizashi koshirae (or Tanto-Koshirae in later Edo) have more often the slots for kogai and kogatana, the weapon that was always carried on the man during the Edo period - and thus became a special calling card of the wearer.

 

[JohnTo]

In a couple of Japanese samurai films, 'When the last sword is drawn' and 'Sekigahara' there are scenes where one of the characters is cleaning out his ears with a kogai.

 

Regards, John

[Dan tsuba]

So, thanks all for your posts!

 

From the replies, I am probably incorrect in thinking that the Kogai could have been used for blade sharpening.  It was more than likely used as verified by my research, as a hair arrangement and ear cleaning implement.

 

Didn't these guys ever hear of a comb and a Q-tip?  Ha, ha, ha, ha, etc !

 

Anyway, does anyone have any information about when the Kogai first appeared on a saya?  Edo period, Muromachi period, or before?  Also, if pictures could be referenced I would find that very interesting to view.

 

Thanks all!

 

With respect,

Dan

 

[Brian]

Kogai were made of soft metal. Sometimes very soft. They were never used for sharpening. As you agreed.
Kozuka were sharp, and they aren't found with wear on the back, and the sharpened edge would have been useless for sharpening. They were not used for that either.
We have the answers. Not sure why we are looking for others?

[sabiji]

1 hour ago, Dan tsuba said:

 

 

Wie auch immer, hat jemand Informationen darüber, wann der Kogai zum ersten Mal auf einer Saya erschien?   Edo-Zeit, Muromachi-Zeit oder früher?   Auch wenn Bilder referenziert werden könnten, würde ich das sehr interessant finden.

 

Danke an alle!

 

Mit Respekt,

Dan

 

In the holdings of the Kasuga Taisha Nara there are at least Koshigatana Koshirae with both slots, which are said to originate from the Nanbokucho.

[sabiji]

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/43725-when-did-the-kozukakogatana-appear-on-katana/

[Dan tsuba]

Thanks, Thomas, for the information and the link to the other thread!  Much appreciated!

 

So, in that thread some posts state-

 

“However, there are koshigatana with slots for kogai or kozuka dating to 12th century and earlier. Such have been found in Kasuga Taisha and archeological sites.”

 

And also, “There are various images of Nanbokucho koshigatana with kozuka and kogai but below are the earlier relics not often seen.”

 

I found that the Nanbokucho period was from 1336-1392.

 

So, what is being stated is that there were kogai being carried in saya from the 1100’s (the 12th century)?  I mean that’s what I get out of that thread, but I may be incorrect!

 

So, “ear wax cleaning” with special implements attached alongside the saya has been going on in Japan since the 1100’s!  Hmm?  Very interesting stuff.  Some more “food for thought”!

 

With respect,

Dan

[Dan tsuba]

Hello all!  Just some more of my “out of the box” thinking!  Hang in there with me!

 

Now Brian stated in a previous post to this thread-

 

“Kogai were made of soft metal. Sometimes very soft. They were never used for sharpening. As you agreed.  Kozuka were sharp, and they aren't found with wear on the back, and the sharpened edge would have been useless for sharpening. They were not used for that either.  We have the answers. Not sure why we are looking for others?”

 

The reason I look for other answers is because using a Kogai attached to the saya by a samurai going into battle which was to be used just for hair arrangement or ear wax removal does not make a lot of sense to me!

 

So, let’s think about this.  The Kogai has similarities to a long needle looking piece.  Could it have been used to help “stitch up” broken armor on the battlefield?  Again, let’s think about it.  The Kogai seems to have first appeared in saya in the 1100’s (12^th century – information found on the below thread-

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/43725-when-did-the-kozukakogatana-appear-on-katana/

 

Now, upon doing research I found when Japanese armor first appeared “The ō-yoroi (大鎧) is a prominent example of early Japanese armor worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The term ō-yoroi means "great armor."[1] “Ō-yoroi first started to appear in the 10th century during the middle and late Heian period, and came into widespread use in the Genpei War around the 12th century when the call for armor was at its peak.”

 

Above from

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8C-yoroi

 

Also, “Dō-maru (胴丸), or "body wrap", was a type of chest armour (dou or dō) worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. Dō-maru first started to appear in the 11th century as an armour for lesser samurai and retainers.[2] Like the ō-yoroi style it became more common in the Genpei War at the end of the 12th century.”

 

Above from-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8D-maru

 

So, it seems that the Kogai that first began to appear in the 12^th century saya may be linked to the O-yoroi and Do-maru armor that came into widespread use also in the 12^th century.  

 

Coincidence?  Maybe, or maybe not!

 

If and how it was used to “stitch up” broken armor may be lost to history (if that was its intended use).  Maybe the Kogatana was used to make a hole in the leather armor.  Then the armor rope or string was attached to the small end of the Kogai, placed through the hole in the armor (with the small end) and then (reattaching the rope to the small end) pulled up and through the armor while holding onto the long end (or something like that – hey I am just “guessing” here – or maybe it was just used as a large needle to pull the rope through the hole made by the Kogatana?).

 

I just needed to find another use for the development of the Kogai and its need to be carried in the saya of a samurai warrior going into battle (other than for hair arrangement or ear wax cleaning!).   Perhaps it could have originally been used for armor repair, and that just makes a lot more sense to me!

 

Then the Kogai later became just an artistic piece attached alongside the saya (for use in hair arranging and ear wax cleaning) when its actual intended purpose and reason for development fell into disuse?  Maybe its original purpose has been long forgotten?

 

I am probably wrong!  But it is an interesting idea to consider, and just more “food for thought”!

 

With respect,

Dan

[OceanoNox]

When looking at kogai from the side, the end on the handle side is the exact same shape as mimi-kaki (ear scrapers) still used in Japan (like a hook).
As far as I understood Mr. Sasano's book on the origin of tosogu (tsuba, kogai, and kozuka), I think they were items for high-ranking warriors when they appeared, and gradually spread to lower-ranking warriors.

Concerning other uses apart from the ones commonly accepted, unless someone finds some old chronicle or journal, we will be left with mostly conjecture.

[1kinko]

Where’s the source for the assumption that kogai were worn by samurai going into battle? More speculation? And just how would a kogai be used to stitch anything and with what? I think the Japanese knew about needles since Chinese silk embroidery was an ancient art.

[Bugyotsuji]

Also remember that one of the exquisite pleasures from ancient times in Japan was to have your ears gently cleaned by your mother, or other, from childhood into adulthood, a sign of affection etc. Mimi-kaki, 耳かき, best enjoyed when resting your head trustingly on the knees, lap of the other. (Also, in parallel, ladies' hair ornaments included these two: Kanzashi and Kogai.)

 

Not only soft metal though. I have an iron Muromachi example here of a wari-kogai.

 

Pics follow... the + sign can be clicked up to three times for extra magnification.

 

 

[Tensho]

I was always under the assumption that samurai went to battle with a completely different koshirae than their "flashy" formal koshirae. I would imagine samurai would have more than one koshirae for a blade

 

The few books I have showing koshirae described as been worn in battle are pretty basic looking. 

[OceanoNox]

23 minutes ago, Tensho said:

I was always under the assumption that samurai went to battle with a completely different koshirae than their "flashy" formal koshirae. I would imagine samurai would have more than one koshirae for a blade

Very likely, it might even be argued, although swords were just side arms, that swords and weapons in general were viewed as consumables in times of strife.

[sabiji]

The character 笄 for the kogai means nothing else than hairpin, in the Japanese language as well as in the Chinese language. 

And as Arnaud already wrote in reference to Sasano's book, it seems to be an object of use, which was formerly rather common among the higher social classes, until it spread to the broad masses of warriors - until finally in the Edo period it became a possible component of a higher-grade complete Koshirae, whose main purpose was rather reduced as an ornamental component.

Sure, it's great for scratching, and the opinion as an object for cleaning ears persists. But honestly, who wants to strut around with an ear awl, with which one has just picked his ear, best of all in front of higher-ups?
Also, it would be simply too impractical, The pointed end is in itself too thick, And the "ear hook" is actually much too short to make sense.

 

I think the meaning and the original use of the hairpin actually goes far back in history and is related to the hairstyles but also headdresses and caps of high society at the time.

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Sumo hair stylists still seem to use one today.

[Dan tsuba]

Thanks all for your posts!

 

So, the idea of the Kogai being used as a “large needle” to stitch together the strings of the broken leather armor (or to replace the “strings” holding the armor together) on the battlefield is out!

 

Like I stated in my post-

“I am probably wrong!  But it is an interesting idea to consider, and just more “food for thought”!”

So, I had myself covered!

 

And like OceanoNox stated in one of his posts-

“Concerning other uses apart from the ones commonly accepted, unless someone finds some old chronicle or journal, we will be left with mostly conjecture.”

 

So, until I find that old chronicle or journal, I will just go with the Kogai being a hair arrangement tool (or a hairpin) and an ear cleaning tool!

 

I still don’t see why they just didn’t use a comb, a rubber band, and a Q-tip!  Ha, ha, ha, etc !

 

With respect,

Dan

 

[Dan tsuba]

So, here is some interesting stuff about the possible use of the Kogai.  Evidently it could be used as the “ultimate” ear tool!

 

“Kogai

The Samurai’s Tanto or Wakizashi Saya usually included a second slot for a Kogai. A Kogai refers to a skewer that has a blunted tip. Some people believe that the Kogai was used to thrust through an opponent’s ear after the head was removed, so that everyone would know who won the battle.”

Written by the Samurai Swords Store (with listed references at the end of the article) you can read more here-(need to scroll down on the website)-

 

https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-ancient-technology/samurai-weapons-0010730

 

And on the below website it also states how Kogai were used as skewering weapons (scroll down on the website)-

https://prezi.com/m2k_4i442typ/samurai-weapons/

 

Also-

There is another website that talks about the Kogai as a weapon, which can be found below-(scroll down on the website)-

https://katanasforsale.com/unknown-Japanese-weapons-in-the-absence-of-swords/

 

And the below website explains how the Kogai was used to string the severed heads of the enemy on the battlefield together, and why this was done (scroll down on the website to see the explanation)-

 

https://www.outfit4events.com/eur/product/8880-Japanese-sword-knife-kogai-bronze/

 

Anyway, just some more interesting stuff.  If it is true or not, who knows (but one of the articles mentioned above does list references)!   Has anyone else heard of the Kogai being used in this way?

 

Remember guys, I am just the messenger of this information!

 

The adventure continues!

 

With respect,

Dan

 

 

 

 

[Spartancrest]

10 hours ago, Dan tsuba said:

Some people believe that the Kogai was used to thrust through an opponent’s ear

Yes Dan I have some old articles from the 19th century that state kogai were "often left stuck in the ankle of a defeated opponent" [with the head removed it was away of claiming ownership] - My only concern with this is, wouldn't you need at least a few spare kogai - you know, what if you manage to kill several of the enemy on the same day? Also how many kogai have family Mon or other identifiers on them so the family of the slain can work out who did the deed? I will wrestle up the articles, one I remember was quoting from the daughter of a samurai, but did her dad embellish his story to her?

Interesting stuff and like most of this study it opens up lots of new avenues of research, thanks for posing the questions. 

 

I also remember there is a passage in "The Etiquette of Seppuku" that mentions the kogai was used to pick up the head of a victim.

[1kinko]

Yup, and kogai are usually made of shakudo or another copper alloy that had better be very sharp or it will surely bend thrusting it through the skull deep enough to label it as your kill. Oh, maybe there were cast iron kogai!

[Brian]

If there was any intent to use it for piercing, we would see kogai with sharpened tips. Have not seen one single one. Wonder why?

[Spartancrest]

Perhaps the early writers were getting confused with umabari (馬針)? They certainly have a sharp point. Regardless of the implement I still see problems using them to identify the body, it limits how many enemy you can claim in a day.

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes the 貫級刀 Kankyūtō,which is often given as another name for the Bashin/Umabari, is described in some texts as having been used as a skewer for taken heads, pushed through the soft part of the temple, as part of the proper ritual and decoration for kubi jik-ken.

 

Quite different from Kōgai, though.

 

PS To Darrel, see my iron kōgai above. It sticks to a magnet, and is slightly malleable, so not cast iron.

[Ian]

I have made it a rule for myself never to think I have seen it all with Japanese art. Here is a pre Edo kogai recycled into a one piece kozuka/kogatana. The non decorative end seems to have been flattened down and made to look like a blade and it's surprising ridged and sharp, but can't imagine it cutting much! The ear wax remover has been taken off completely, I guess to have more of a kozuka look to it. I do wonder why this was all done, maybe sentimental to the owner at the time?

We can all romanticise about the samurai going to battle ect, but the koshirae was like a Swiss army knife of the time, carrying the essential tools for grooming too!?

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Mmmm… nice, kind of weird but I like it, Ian. 
Never say never indeed! Figuring out the rules, and then the acceptable exceptions!

[Dan tsuba]

Wow!  Thanks for the great posts and information all!

 

So, I will try to see if I can answer some of the questions in the posts.

 

1Kinko (Darrel)- Thank you for your humor.  Very funny indeed!  Yes, that is my next endeavor.  To find out if some of the Kogai were made from cast iron!  Not!!!

 

Spartancrest(Dale)-  I believe the book you are referring to is –

 

“Samurai Weapons: Tools of the Warrior”

Don Cunningham, published 2008, 208 pages (one of the references mentioned in the first link in my previous post).  Below is the only site I found where you can see the text.  Need to put the “small hand” type cursor on the page and scroll up or down (under the section titled “Kogai”)

 

https://books.google.com/books?id=nwXQAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA7&lpg=PA7&dq=possible+use+of+kogai+as+a+weapon&source=bl&ots=X0RJkcn-47&sig=ACfU3U1oBhv2ZRWQmWZbvbzk9AJRaFEEIg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiL1cfM8aT-AhWoDjQIHaHOCm44FBDoAXoECB8QAw#v=onepage&q=possible use of kogai as a weapon&f=false

 

It has interesting information on how the Kogai was used (other than a possible hairpin or ear wax removal tool).

 

Also, you’re question about what happens if you manage to kill several enemies on the same day?

 

Here is a link to a woodblock print depicting a samurai with a couple of heads in a bag strapped to his waist-

 

https://egenolfgallery.com/products/kuniyoshi-kusunoki-masatsura-and-severed-heads-at-the-battle-of-shijonawate-%E8%8B%B1%E9%9B%84%E5%85%AD%E5%AE%B6%E6%92%B0-%E6%A5%A0%E6%AD%A3%E8%A1%8C?s=rec&w=p

 

So, maybe that answers some questions? 

 

During my research what I found that was interesting is how important it was to samurai to take the heads of their slain victims.  They then would present them (I guess if the victim was of importance) to their Daimyo.  Something like this evidently continued as recently as the Satsuma rebellion.

 

If you are interested, you can look up some Japanese wood block prints of that subject here- samurai with the severed heads of the enemy (also notice not one Kogai in their hair – that I can see!)-

 

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHZO_enUS1011US1011&sxsrf=APwXEddCRIZKCUSp83rHs_dqUUIod0pyig:1681389435639&q=old+Japanese+wood+block+prints+of+samurai+with+severed+heads&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=vZDipVjE93LxgM%252Cu5E0A-if6b-PsM%252C_%253BUeH3ArIYltKDKM%252COnR0mRdc3N2EbM%252C_%253B_qYmAQ0942E3-M%252C68vul-P0kol1IM%252C_%253BXwSlFfSLHzwQpM%252CBXwVFccRQAeWfM%252C_%253B23aG6Kn4zgw7aM%252ClxuaYs4ITwaNdM%252C_%253B1DDIY72Gegra3M%252CQj1O5M357uwuzM%252C_%253BpO-sK1cFi13VnM%252CdBFWGo5QK46G1M%252C_%253BwNIX88qekGuM1M%252CDOLojtk4-CjEfM%252C_%253By1sY9XeEprwDlM%252Cx6pbSX-g5AcGRM%252C_%253Bh2c5FAS8g2k4pM%252CObQMO5UFMe2QZM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kS_dpByg55cJU2YB8KWNzC9gxH75Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiPg6ng76b-AhV0IEQIHbMhARcQ7Al6BAgNED4&biw=1536&bih=746&dpr=1.25

 

The adventure continues,

 

With respect,

Dan

 

 

[Ian]

It is my understanding that it was never intended as a hair pin, but more of tool for the Chonmage style of hair that needed to be slicked back neatly and impossible to do with just their hands only!? As the hairstyle was also a status symbol, I guess it was useful for scratching your head without disturbing your quaff