Ebira Identification and Age

[Bob61]

Hello Everyone

 

I have a question about the following collection of bows that I have in my possession. I am hoping someone can give me a little information on the age and identification?  Any information is greatly appreciated. I have attached close-ups of both the bow and the arrows. Thank you very much.

 

The length of the bows are as follows

 

1. Case 19" L x 5.5" W

2. Red/Black bow - 56"L

3. Wood bow - 46"L

4. Light red w/wrap 74"L

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

 

https://drive.google...uoHOLUH7?usp=sharing

 

[rematron]

@ROKUJURO@sabiji 

[Bob61]

2 hours ago, rematron said:

@ROKUJURO@sabiji 

Hi Jeremy

 

Thank you for the reply. I am new to this and a little confused. Should I reach out to the two people that you mentioned, or will they be tagged to my post? 

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Cheers, 

Bob

[rematron]

Hi Bob,

 

They're tagged now and will see your post.

 

Best,

Jeremy

[sabiji]

My quick opinion:
I am always very careful with the age estimation. Really old yumi are very rare. There are many "old looking bows" because they are built that way for certain ceremonies, festivals, but also for kyujutsu even into modern times.
The one short, almost symmetrical bow is a hankyu, a "half bow". It was used at that time in confined spaces such as buildings.
The largest yumi is still relatively short, even by Japanese standards, at 74", but it is not necessarily unusual. 
Bow number 3 is not Japanese. I think it is a Mandchurian bow. It's too big for a Korean for me. The bow unfortunately lacks the "benches for the bowstring", which catch the string after release.
The quiver is certainly late Edo in its essential parts.
The arrows are early 20th century. Traditionally eagle feathers are used, which unfortunately do not last long. Old arrows with well-preserved feathers were usually "restored" with new feathers at some point.  
Some of the arrows have the typical nocks and the sand tips for shooting at an azuchi, where the mato (target) is attached to a sand hill (azuchi) at a distance of 28 meters.
The other arrows with the cone tips and the wider and forked nocks are used for quick nocking in Heki ryu Kyujutsu -> https://lightinthecl...ryu-kyujutsu-part-2/

[Bob61]

Hi Sabiji

 

Thank you for the prompt reply. I have learned a lot. I may get back to you, as I know nothing and I will have to research the terminology. I truly appreciate your help, you guys are fantastic. I have learned many things since I joined, it's been a great experience. As a layman, this has been quite difficult for me and your knowledge is truly appreciated. Keep up the good work. 

 

Cheers 

Bob

[ROKUJURO]

I can only see some replies in this thread, so I am not sure if I had already commented.

The quiver is a SHIKO, and the red YUMI (last upside-down YUMI photo) could be an old one (18th cent. ?) from KYUSHU. I had one who looked very similar.

[Bob61]

Hi Jean

 

Thank you for the information. I have not received much back about these, so I truly appreciate your enlightenment on it. I will be offering them for sale when I can figure out a pricing on them. Is there any market right now for this type of item? Again, thanks for the help, it is much appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

Bob

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Bob,

these are interesting items perhaps for those who practice KYUDO, specialized collectors, or an east Asian museum. A difficult and small market, so take your time and start offering them here on NMB - a very good worldwide market! You will have to find out about the prices by looking for comparable sales offers on the  internet and in auction houses catalogues.

The older arrows in the SHIKO are better quality and might find a new home more easily in case they still have their tips (YA no NE). I would be interested in the SHIKO myself, but I have no money . 

P.S. Don't put a string on the bows! They will likely break!

[Bob61]

Hi Jean

 

Thank you so much for all your help. Yes, I will research pricing as best as I can. I truly appreciate the help and when I am ready, I will start by posting them here. I am a little slow at it, but practice does make perfect! I'm hoping that you don't mind, but I may be bugging you for more information possibly in the near future. I have found this to be another area of Japanese collecting that, like everything else, when you collect these wonderful items, it can be quite detailed and extensive. With that said, I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you so much, I'm onwards and upwards. 

 

Cheers

 

Bob