Hi! I purchased a ww2 veterans estate and this piece was included. I believe it to be a cover for an artillery shell. But it has a handmade Kanji symbol I have been unable to identify. I am hoping someone may be able to help. This item has so much historical significance, I’d love to know what this beautiful Kanji symbol means. Thanks to anyone willing to take a look!
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My resident kanji expert says it’s this one: ことぶき - Jisho.org (“kotobuki”) It’s the old version of the kanji–the picture is actually upside down. She’s seen it written on envelopes that are gifted to married couples and stuff. Here’s another image with the same kanji: http://www.sake-tsujimura.com/photo/sakeWide/imBase/437-1.jpg
Can you show a picture of the entire item? I’m curious what it is.
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Some more images, with the modernized version: https://i.etsystatic.com/6633784/r/il/3b0a9c/2376815456/il_fullxfull.2376815456_ltrb.jpg https://i.pinimg.com/originals/78/7c/db/787cdb8260ac85562a3cedf7e0ff04dd.jpg It’s also the first kanji in “sushi,” btw: 寿司 - Jisho.org
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Hi and thank you so much! I had always wondered if perhaps it was meant to be flipped the opposite direction… but as you will see in the full pics that wouldn’t have made much sense with the shape of the item. But it is absolutely possible and I will go with your translation for sure. I contacted the family and learned the veteran actually did have a Japanese wife… so maybe this was some type of gift for their marriage? It could also be a part of something larger, I just don’t know though. Here are a few pics of the item in its entirety. The stamping or marking is very beautiful but hard to capture in pics. Again, I really appreciate you taking time to help me! It is very much appreciated!
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