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Post by samuraiguy on Feb 28, 2024 18:17:01 GMT
Hello all,
So I've been trying to "do my research" online and I'm hunting the origin, region, or style that Tensho Koshirae comes from. I am without luck. I was wondering if anyone can illuminate me on the subject of this style of koshirae.
I'm sure that the expansive and diverse knowledge of members on this forum can educate me lol.
Thanks much!
P.S. it's my favorite, what's yours?
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Post by stalkerfromtheearth on Feb 28, 2024 20:06:45 GMT
If I remember correctly it was made standard as official koshirae for katana and wakizashi at the start of the edo period.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Feb 28, 2024 20:58:55 GMT
first off, I would highly recommend picking up some books by Markus Sesko, undeniable treasure troves of knowledge on Japanese culture and especially swords.
Tensho era of the Muromachi Period circa 1570’s
from what I remember (it's been a while), uchigatana were the first swords made for foot soldiers as opposed to mounted. they were worn edge up through the obi, rather than edge down like tachi. basic koshirae, meant for battle, including black lacquered saya, large sori, waisted tsuka, horn fittings and generally dark or understated aesthetics.
this look was adopted later on and used in mounting swords even after the Tensho era. features often include, horn kashira, leather ito (often lacquered) and tied over the end of the kashira instead of through, lacquered samegawa, kogai/kozuka in saya, kearizuno
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Post by samuraiguy on Feb 28, 2024 21:59:41 GMT
Epic response! And thank you VERY much for the book recommendation!
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AndiTheBarvarian
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Feb 28, 2024 22:18:45 GMT
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Post by samuraiguy on Feb 28, 2024 23:04:49 GMT
Excellent reference! Thank you!
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Post by treeslicer on Feb 29, 2024 17:40:09 GMT
Excellent reference! Thank you! Markus is without an equal at writing about Japamese sword history, but everything important about koshirae is summarized here: www.japaneseswordindex.com/koshirae/koshirae.htm Your particular question is answered there, as well as an explanation of the Edo era regulations for what samurai on palace duty might wear, and what it was called.
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Post by samuraiguy on Feb 29, 2024 18:00:34 GMT
Treeslicer, thank you very much for this! I knew the forum would steer me in the right direction! You guys are great!
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Post by bradc on Mar 1, 2024 18:57:11 GMT
For a specific Markus Sesko reference.
"Koshirae-Taikan"
It's really a terrific English language reference book on Koshirae styles. If your interested in that topic it's well worth picking up.
He has a short section on the style that expands a bit on the above references.
Key details from his book are:
As mentioned above it was a more subtle style that came into fashion towards the end of the 16th century after the flashy Momoyama period koshirae.
Characteristics were black laquer saya, dark metal or horn fittings, black same, and leather ito. Tsuka were ryugo with the makikake wrapping. The saya also had a egg shaped cross section profile. Tsuba were typically sukashi or Katchushi.
Two major examples provided in the book are the mountings Tokugawa Ieyasu had made for the swords Otenta-Mitsuyo and Nikko-Sukezane.
He also describes the variant Akechi-koshirae which is classified as a Tensho Koshirae.
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Post by samuraiguy on Mar 1, 2024 20:54:52 GMT
oh very cool! Thanks very much for that recommendation Brad!
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