Small Yari ???
 

Recently finished on Eprey, what appears to be a small yari....my understanding is that during the Edo period Yari of around 3 ft (90cms) were common.....however this particular one is only 18" (45cms) long. Maybe this one was cut down ? The shaft seems 'right' ....black laquered with 'mother of pearl' (seller stated 'abalone') with copper rings.
Thought it may have gone cheaply....no such luck, but feel the final price may be a little heavy (if indeed this is a cut down version) also bearing in mind the damage to the tip.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

All comments and input gratefully received

Regards David


.

it looks bad, but I have seen some amazing restorations done by professional japanese blade polishers to blades in worse condition. I wonder what this would look like given a traditional polish.

I think this is a palaquin yari, carried by higher ranking samurai and samurai women riding in palaquin, hence the short handle. In terrible shape, but as mentioned above, a good polisher could restore it to fine shape.

Rich S
-------------------------------------------------------
Richard Stein, PhD
Old Puukkophile
NKCA Life Member

Japanese Sword Guide
http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm
-------------------------------------------------------

Hi Rich,
thank you for the information ...so if this a palaquin yari, is it the correct length and not 'cut down' ? Would this be considered an Edo period piece ? Are they relatively rare ? Thanking you in advance

Regards David

Yes, if it is a palaquin yari, the length is correct. While not really common, they are not all that rare either.

Rich S
-------------------------------------------------------
Richard Stein, PhD
Old Puukkophile
NKCA Life Member

Japanese Sword Guide
http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm