Spartancrest Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 A lock, a cage - strong box. What can it be? Interested in opinions. 4 2 Quote
George KN Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 Wow, I really like that design! So simple yet so sombre. The rivets do strongly suggest it represents metalwork rather than anything else, but I find it particularly interesting that each corner overlaps the next one - reminiscent of it being endless? It definitely could be a direct representation of a strong box/cage/prison. But part of me thinks it could be more nuanced - a representation of endless mental restraint, or constraint against something. 1 Quote
Scogg Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 I like the strong box theory, as my first thought was the little strongbox on a lot of Japanese Tansu (Dansu?). The 'rivets' on each corner definitely scream metalworking, like George said. Reminds me a lot of the metal trim on these cabinets. Interesting design, and while it reminds me most of a Tansu, no image I can find fits in a satisfying way... Cheers, -Sam 1 1 Quote
Dan tsuba Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 Just guessing here about the square. On the internet it states- “What does a square mean in Japanese culture? Shikaku means “square” in Japanese. To us, it's a word full of meaning and symbolism. It represents harmony, stability, balance, and structure, some of the main traits of Japanese culture and cuisine.Sep 5, 2022” The square is also found in Zen, refer to the below link- https://www.greenshinto.com/2016/01/31/zen-and-shinto-4-square-triangle-circle/ A zen picture is shown below- 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted March 30 Report Posted March 30 井桁 (igeta) has to be one possibility, a well mouth design. I have seen them reinforced with iron, too. It’s a fun design, either way. 1 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted April 1 Report Posted April 1 Yesterday I came across another old stone wayside lantern, the third I've discovered during long walks in this area. The square opening also reminded me of this interesting tsuba. Photos follow, from two sides. A B 2 1 Quote
Kantaro Posted April 1 Report Posted April 1 The top of this lamp has a Gorinto 古刀匠 design and is representing the five elements and makes me think of other Tsuba. Markus Sesko wrote:"a gorintō on a tsuba is associated with death. Imagine a medieval knight having his armor decorated with gravestones." Early sukashi motifs 1 | Markus Sesko 2 1 Quote
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