A beautiful and striking Japanese samurai face mask or Menpo dating to the Edo period (1615-1868) or earlier. Superb early russet iron finish on the front of the mask with thick deep red lacquer on the interior. From the bottom of the facial section is suspended a four lame iron yodare-kake or neck guard, which is secured in place by heavy cord lacing. Below and to either side of the chin are mounted two kabuto odayori gane securing cord fastening posts, which are still securely attached. There is an asa-nagashi-no-ana hole in the underside of the chin to allow perspiration to drain away during the heat of battle. The stylized 'wrinkles' are done in a raised relief uchidashi style and are still sharp and crisp. The heavy silk cord lacing is beautifully strung in dark navy blue and shades of orange. Overall condition is excellent with some hairlines and tiny losses of lacquer and throat section becoming detached from the face. A rare opportunity to purchase a superb example of the the most intimate armor worn by a samurai. Dimensions: Face: 5 3/4" x 6' x 4". Overall length 9" x 7" at widest point.
A truly spectacular matching set of iron Fuchi and Kashira for a Japanese Samurai Sword dating to the Edo period (1615-1868) in a wooden display case. Very fine superb, detailed, high relief craftsmanship in gold and shakudo nanako depicting a pair of bulls. The stunning kashira features a bull with an okina noh mask on its back and surrounded by water lilly flowers. The fuchi features an amazing high relief bull with a character carrying a basket in front of a waterfall. Our lens has been unable to capture the expression on the man's face. This is as good as it gets! The minute details on the bulls, rocks, waterfall and basket are truly breathtaking. The base metal color exhibits a rare rich chocolate brown patina. Overall condition is excellent The Display case is paulownia wood. An excellent set for mounting or display by the serious collector. Japanese Edo period craftsmanship at its sculptural best. Dimensions: Fuchi: 3.8cm x 2.4cm x 1.3cm (tall). Kashira: 3.5cm x 1.7cm x 9mm (tall). Hole for tang on the fuchi: 27.6mm x 8mm.
An excellent matching set of iron Fuchi and Kashira for a Japanese Samurai Sword dating to the Edo period (1615-1868) in a wooden display case. Very fine superb, detailed, high relief craftsmanship in gold depicting stylized birds, baskets and riverside foliage. The minute details on the baskets, rocks, stream and bamboo leaves are truly breathtaking. Note the way the bird in flight overhangs the oval picture frame surface of the kashira. The base metal color exhibits a rare rich charcoal brown patina. Overall condition is excellent The Display case is paulownia wood. An excellent set for mounting or display by the serious collector. Japanese Edo period craftsmanship at its sculptural best. Dimensions: Fuchi: 3.8cm x 2.2cm x 1.1cm (tall). Kashira: 3.6cm x 1.75cm x 9mm (tall). Hole for tang on the fuchi: 25.5mm x 7.7mm.
A beautiful matching set of iron Hira-Zogan Fuchi and Kashira for a Japanese Samurai Sword dating to the early Edo period (1615-1868) in a wooden display case. Excellent, detailed, inlaid gold craftsmanship depicting a fine geometric pattern on a thick all iron ground. Superb high quality artistry of the highest order. Note the gold detail around the neck allowing for removal of the kozuka / kogai. Kashira features original Shitadome and part of the original Ito wrap - clearly this set was once mounted. Display case is paulownia wood. An excellent set for mounting or display by the serious collector. Japanese Edo period craftsmanship at its sculptural best. Dimensions: Fuchi: 3.8cm x 2.2cm x 1.4cm (tall). Kashira: 3.4cm x 1.8cm x 8mm (tall). Hole for tang on the fuchi: 27mm x 7mm.
A rare matching set of Daisho tsuka (handle) covers for a Daito (long sword) and Shoto (short sword) from the Edo period (1615-1868). A samurai would have used these covers to ensure that the fittings and Ito on his tsuka were protected during foul weather while traveling while still being able to wield his swords. The hand stitched covers themselves are made from a type of leather with the original drawstring cords used to secure the covers still present. Overall condition is good with some wear on the surface, otherwise, an excellent example of a little documented aspect of a Samurai warrior's personal accoutrements. Dimensions: 9" x 3 1/2" (Daito). 6 1/2" x 3 1/4" ( Shoto).
A rare Japanese samurai Menhari-gata Tessen or folding war fan dating to the Edo period (1615-1868). Apart from the sword, the samurai often carried many other specialized and easily concealable weapons. These were used when otherwise unarmed or, in some cases, when it was preferable not to kill or seriously maim an attacker. The various martial arts ryuha (schools) during the Tokugawa era frequently taught a wide range of specialized short arms specifically designed for self-defense and which could be hidden within everyday clothing. Both samurai and commoners alike considered the folding hand fan or sensu an important accessory. Customarily carried in the hands or tucked in the obi (belt), the folding fan also played a significant role in Japanese etiquette, especially on formal occasions, and was rarely ever out of a samurai's possession. Perhaps because it was considered such an ordinary item, it was easily employed as a suitable side arm with only minor modifications. These weapons, called tessen, literally meaning "iron fan," were constructed of either an actual folding fan with metal ribs or a non-folding solid bar of either iron or wood and shaped like a folded fan. During the Edo Period, the tessen was often considered a common self-defense weapon for extraordinary situations. There were many situations in which a samurai would not have access to his sword. For example, if visiting another person's home, especially one belonging to a superior, a warrior was generally required to leave one or both swords with an attendant at the door. To prevent violence, obvious weapons such as swords, daggers, and spears were also strictly prohibited within the small confines of the pleasure districts such as Yoshiwara in Edo. A tessen, though, was acceptable in any situation, thus leaving the samurai always armed with at least one very effective defensive weapon. Like the folding fan, tessen usually had eight to ten bamboo or metal ribs and could be worn with everyday attire. There are many recorded duels won using iron fans against naked swords and even deaths caused by blows from a tessen. It was considered unseemly for a bushi to use his sword against a lower-ranking rival. On the other hand, tessen-jutsu was considered sophisticated, especially among the higher-ranking samurai. Thus, many trained in the defensive use of a tessen and carried one at all times. Tessen, which actually folded, were also referred to as menhari-gata. These were made of metal ribs covered with silk or washi, a very strong paper. The paper was often lacquered, reinforced with gold or silver foil, or treated with oil to make it both more decorative and less susceptible to weather damage. A folding tessen was not only effective as a defensive weapon, but could be used as a regular hand fan if necessary. Tessen was the term used most frequently when referring to the folding style. The heavy tesen we are offering for sale is of the menhari-gata type. Made of heavy, hand-forged and hammered iron. The wooden 'ribs' are still intact although the paper or silk covering has long since disappeared.The original tassel is still present as well as a maker's mark on the inside of both iron arms. Surface exhibits oxidation but is structurally sound. Dimensions: 11.5" x 1.25" x 1.25". Would make an excellent addition to a suit of armor display. This is your opportunity to purchase a unique piece of Edo period samurai history.
A beautiful matching set of iron Fuchi and Kashira for a Japanese Samurai Short Sword dating to the late Edo period (1615-1868) in a wooden display case. Excellent, intricate, detailed, inlaid silver depicting stylized waves and spray points in gold on an iron ground. Display case is paulownia wood. An excellent set for mounting or display by the serious collector. Japanese Edo period craftsmanship at its sculptural best. Dimensions: Fuchi: 3.7cm x 2.2cm x 1.2cm (tall). Kashira: 3.4cm x 1.75cm x 1cm (tall). Hole for tang on the fuchi: 27mm x 8mm.
An absolutely excellent Japanese Samura sword tsuba dating to the late Edo period (1615-1868). Breathtaking detail in creating all the accoutrements of the Japanese tea ceremony in its original hardwood case. The decor of the tea house as well as almost every implement associated with the ceremony is expertly created in chiseled and pierced high relief iron. One of the most intricate pierced tsuba we have encountered. Clearly Edo period art in metal at its best. Dimensions: 7.2cm x 7cm x 0.45cm.
An extremely rare antique Japanese Samurai sword Kankyu-to Kozuka or Umabari dating to the Edo period (1615-1868) or earlier. This is a one piece, all steel implement of triangular cross-section and found mostly on Higo mountings in place of a kogai. The Umabari is a small, double-edged knife with
a slim blade that is has a flattened triangular tip. The
hilt is always forged in one piece with the blade. The
weapon was always positioned on the side of the
sword scabbard. Its primary purpose was to be a fast
drawing surprise weapon when the main sword
couldn’t be used. One of its primary uses was to end
the life of a wounded horse that had fallen in battle
and couldn’t be healed. Although the blade is sharp
all along two edges, the weapon was designed as a
stabbing weapon with a tip that could punch through
the armor of the Japanese samurai or the skull of a
wounded horse.
Its main use was in the province of Higo,
but it was carried elsewhere as time progressed.
There are numerous stories about badly wounded
ronin on the battlefield who would use their Umabari
to attack one more foe as the foes moved among the
fallen to finish those who were thought helpless.
This particular piece features an inscribed poem about horsemanship on the hilt as well as an Inome (boar's eye) piercing. The blade features a chrysanthemum crest while the reverse is plain. For its size, this is a heavy piece of hand hammered iron that is not flexible. Dimensions: 18.1cm x 1.3cm.
An enchanting tsuba for a Japanese Samurai sword dating to the Edo period (1615-1868) or earlier. Breathtaking pierced and gold inlaid craftsmanship in iron featuring a pair of samurai saddles and baton. Excellent skill in creating the individual details in amazing high relief. A superb tsuba for mounting or display. Dimensions: 7cm x 6.7cm x 0.5cm.
