Hirase

The case above housed pins, broaches, cuff-links, buckles, charms, rosaries, pins and utensils.

Buttons and Button Material

The lower case showed Japans greatness in manufacturing buttons. Not only did Japan keep out the import of buttons, but Japan exported over 1,000,000 yen worth annually back in 1915. Osaka was the center of the button trade, with the Great Top Shell being the best material for manufacture.

The saya (scabbards) are ornamented by shell work set in, then completely covered by repeated layers of black lacquer burnished until the shells were again visible. The tsuba (guard) and rivets were also ornamented with shells or in shell designs. The rack was an old piece of lacquer-ware ornamented with pieces of nacreous layers of shells. The saddle (Kura) is unique, and has been preserved in Count Otani's family as one of the treasures of the West Hongwan Temple. Its pommel and cantle are covered with a bamboo design of shells.

The kabuto (helmet) is ornamented with two wooden clams lacquered black.

The sword fittings which include tsuba, menuki, fuchi, and kashira, all had shells or designs in the shape of shells.

Due to Kyoto being more than 30 miles from the nearest sea shore, models were constructed to bring to light the world under the sea.

Model of "Shiohigari", Shell-Gathering at Low Tide

In olden times in Japan, in April, in the time of the spring-tide, people went on excursions to the sea shore, where dry-beds were to be found at ebb-tide. While the waters flowed far away, they had a good time catching fish or shell-fish. this was called "Shiohigari", that is, shell gathering at low-tide, an old custom still observed by some near the sea shore.

Below: A writing of Marquis Yorinori Tokugawa

(If anyone can translate these letters, please contact us)