What do you see?

[Klop]

Dear members,

 

What do you see in this picture (except a low quality copper menuki)?

 

To me it seems to be a samurai on horseback, maybe in a river. I outlined the man's face + helmet and shoulder armor, horse's face and man's arm.

 

But the other 75%.... Could this be the very rare rorschach menuki?

 

Kind regards,

 

Eric K.

[ububob]

It's whatever you want it to be, Eric.

[Toryu2020]

Eric -

i believe your read is correct. A samurai on horseback, likely the battle of Uji-gawa from the Heike-monogatari. A famous scene where two samurai race across the river because the bridge has been dismantled. A shame you do not have the mate to this one menuki.

-t

[Brian]

Yep..I also see a Samurai riding his horse through the waves. A common theme, as explained by Tom.

 

Brian

[Klop]

Thanks gents,

 

Now I know it's not my fantasy alone. This one came in one sale of three single menuki which I bought to get a shishi, somehow there are a lot of broken up sets around. This particular one is a bit hmmm, what's the word.... scribbly /messy, a lot of lines but no clear forms.

 

Maybe some day it will find it's place.

 

Kind regards,

EricK.

[Ozza]

Hi

If you are interested in finding the story of Kajiwara Kagesuye and Sasaki Takatsuna its in Joly's "Legend in Japanese Art". The book is available to read on line. Page 150 item 393 Kagesuye. Hope this helps

Keith

[Klop]

Hi Keith,

 

I found it, thanks!

 

Kind regards,

EricK.