I think I am going to start collecting Japanese ichibu, isshu, nibu, nishu, etc. gin/kin bar coins. Does anyone know of a GOOD reference book/site.etc, and/or a decent checklist, where I can get the information I need to start this collection? Thanks
Still looking for any good reference on these coins. I have to say, the pictures of these coins I see online look NOTHING like the bars I was thinking of, which I saw at various antique shops, flea markets, etc. in Japan. The ones I am thinking of, were typically attached to a samurai's sword at the handle or guard, or on the scabbard, were VERY decorative and intricate, longer than the pictures I see online, and sometimes were silver inlaid or embossed in gold, or the other way around... but NOT a simple mixture of the two metals. Anyone know what the heck I am talking about? They were gorgeous, but at the time I was there, I had absolutely zero money for buying anything at all. I wish I could simply make a weekend trip back there to shop around!!!!!!!!!
Try JNDA catalog: http://www.ebay.com/itm/JAPAN-Coins...t=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item2eb82a3c37 I think you are trying to describe "mokume gane" there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mokume-gane Extremely expensive and it's difficult art to master. My knife is made of damascus steel - similar concept that it's hand hammered and it's a work of art.
That book looks VERY promising, thank you! And Mokume-Gane does look like it is at least related to the pieces I am looking for - perhaps it was how they were made. Going from memory here, but they were maybe 2-4 inches long, 1/2 inch wide, 1/8 or 1/4 inch thick. They had designs and pictures on them, and in 2008, when I was there, they ranged everywhere from 100-300 dollars (10000-30000 yen) each at the Yamaguchi monthly flea market. I had, previous to going, read of them in passing in one of my japanese history textbooks as well. they were a samurai's final piece of wealth/money, and even if he was down to just that, he would do everything he couls not to have to spend it. I am POSSIBLY mixing it up in my memory with another thing, which was a coin with a hole in the middle shaped for a blade to slip through, and it was seated on top of the hand guard? maybe THAT was the "final" piece of wealth... or maybe one grew into the other, over time, culturally? Sheesh! I am RUSTY on this stuff... and Japanese History was my passion. It's sad to realize it's been so many years since I've studied it at all, instead working a bland job and living in a rut, as opposed to the life I was trying for and working towards. Blah... lol! Oh well, that's what plans and dreams do... die, and be replaced with everyday humdrum boring life
Hartill's new book covers these issues. I started a thread on coin books under the world and ancient section, and this boook I gave a quick review of in my first post. Great book, and you can buy it delivered in the US for less than $20. Chris
