”Blackbirds tend to like shiny things.” ~ The Bloody Raven
I can’t say I wasn’t envious seeing this flaunted in front of the Instagram Stacker community back in Sept 2021. The victorious Nyssacat373 then displayed it on our little DrWho Discord group before showing up in my Christmas package 💋. During our Discord unboxing he didn’t see my reaction, but I did do the Face palming, “OMG.” 🤦♀
The Samurai Round
This Samurai Helmet (Kabuto) and full Mask (Somen) is typical of head gear of Samurai Lords and Noblemen. Though more common is the half face mask (Menpo) that protect from the cheeks down to the chin. The mask portrays bravery and fierceness to his peers and command while inciting terror upon his opponent or enemy.
The Helmet decoration usually identifies and signifies the wearer’s prestige and power. There are prominent historical and famous clans or individuals like Honda, or Yukimura Sanada that bear the deer antlers but with a much larger flourish. The horns represented on this round may be generically representative of a Noble of lesser rank.
I think the facial decorations suggest this may be modeled after Samurai masks used in Japanese Kabuki theater.
On this round, the full helmet features are distinct; The textured protective dome (Hachi), brim or visor (Mabizashi), Ear wings (Fukikaeshi) and Neck guard (Shikoro).
The level of quality and detail of this marvelous round can’t be done by pouring alone but by the Lost Wax process. Burnished, and toned for that aged look as if it existed since the Tempō era?
3.25 Troy oz were used to make this a hefty chunky ‘palm-satisfying’ feel like just the right size.
And I love the feel so no Air-Tite for this baby.
Viewing from the edge you can judge the height of the High relief. The edge itself is left plain and rough with only the flashing removed for comfortable handling.
Is this worth getting?
This Samurai round sits squarely in the realm of collectable, and not for the pure Stacker. The pouring Community can arguably consider this as ART! I have no ideal of it’s final purchase price knowing Nyssacat’s Instagram Intsa-bid of BIN! (But It Now) A secret only known between himself and Ragnarök, I can safely assume it is a well-earned Artist’s premium.
As far as I know, this is a One-of-a-kind from the Maker himself so if you are interested, you'd have to ask Ragnarok.
As an admitted ‘Weeaboo’, and I do appreciate the Japanese culture. This would be a No Brainer for the Bloody Raven and her poured Silver Collection.
I am Mintauru: Excerpt of "The Karasu"
As his Court officials and officers file out from his Hall, two men remained.
In unison both Tomo and Matori bowed to Lord Hideaki. As faithful advisors to the Hideaki clan for four generations, such service earned an impromptu meeting before Hideaki.
The Japanese lord allowed them the benefit to air their concerns.
“Captain Yuici is one of your best and loyal Samurai, only a demon could possibly beat him. You also witnessed an unknown technique she demonstrated; it is evil. I implore you not to bring this creature into our Castle.” Tomo bowed again in respect.
Hideaki then shifts his eyes to Matori, his Advisor nods, “Hai, she bears the Mintauru name, a dishonored name. The washed-up Ronin for hire swordsman Takashi and his invalid tool maker brother Kobeyashi. They are only up to no good conjuring demons to add to their tarnished reputation. Such a deal would only endanger you and your house my lord.”
Lord Hideaki took a patient sip of tea before answering. “My rival Lord Ono is reported to have Ninjutsu assassins hired to harm me or my family for not backing his plans before the Shogun last Summer. These men are reputed to be extremely skilled and are known to fulfill their contracts in blood. My ally Lord Genroku attests to that fact and forced his hand to back that ambitious Lord. I cannot do as he did even at the price of my soul, demon or not Lady Mintauru's unique skills will be my insurance. There is more at stake than my clan.”
Adding another Silver in my World coin style stack.
Always adding Silver and Crypto to my Stack for the coming dark and stormy night!
The #worldcoinwednesday tag is one of many strategic tags hatched by none other than the TAG MASTER @silverd510 to take over all social block chains one post at a time. Give in to the Master and reveal your wondrous silver world coins.
My other Related Japanese themed Posts
Ragnarök Metal’s (ffc-Texas) Valkyrie Bar post.
What’s in the Bag? GSM Samurai bar
The Karasu, Samurai money
2018 Fuji Dollar The Samurai Archives
1895 Japanese One Yen Trade Dollar
References
Sources
Oriental Souls: Samurai Armor Helmet
Kartaruga: Armor and Mask of Samurai
Samurai Museum shop
Website: Ragnarok Metals/ FFC-Texas, & Ragnarok Metals.com
1 Troy Ounce Samurai Silver Bar from the Golden State Mint
1837-1858 Japanese Samurai Era 8.6g Silver 1 Bu Gin Bar
Cameo Raven Broach from The Black Wardrobe
The background for these photographs is a chart by Rigobert Bonne, a French Cartographer in 1780, Published in “Atlas de Torurtes les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre, Dresse pour l’Histoire Philosphique & Politique des Establishments & du Commerce des Europeens dan les Deux Indes” by G.T. Raynad. Size 9 ½ x 16 5/8 inches.
“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin.”
