RangerSix Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Well, its time to say goodbye for a while. I havent been on here long enough for most of yall to care, but I thought I say it anyway. Next week, Im heading to Korea for my next assignment. Though its only a one-year hardship assignment, Infantry Branch wants me to stay for two. I will probably take them up on their offer since it means being close to Japan and Hawaii (and I'm not even Japanese or Asian ... go figure eh). Since I have never shown you guys my humble theater, amongst other things, Ive decided to do it now. It gets packed up in a few days and I wont see it for two years (hardship tour). So I thought I might share some of my passions with folks whose company Ive grown to enjoy even those of the liberal persuasion. The first picture should be rather self-explanatory this is my home theater. For almost two years, this HT has served me well. Ive decided to give this entire system as a gift to my parents. Its my small way of saying thanks for being great parents. I couldnt have asked for a better childhood. All the other pictures are from my hobby, collecting Japanese antiques. Sadly, audio will never be a major interest. The hearing in my right ear was virtually destroyed from service in the Persian Gulf in 91. Thats all Ill say about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerSix Posted May 24, 2003 Author Share Posted May 24, 2003 This next picture I posted on another thread several months ago. This was my first authentic samurai gusoku (armor) that I bought. This piece was probably made sometime around the late 1500s and early 1600s. I still need to do more research on this particular piece. Very nice to look at in person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerSix Posted May 24, 2003 Author Share Posted May 24, 2003 This next Hikone gusoku is a recent addition. This was made sometime in the Momoyama period around 1580/90. The armor comes from a samurai of the Ii clan. Its leader was a daimyo named Ii Naomasa. He stipulated that samurai in his clan standardize their armor. He dictated that the armor be lacquered red with large horns (maedate) adorning the helmet. This group was known for their ferocity in battle. As such, they were named Ii no Akaoni (Red Devils of the Ii Clan). This group of 3600 men drew first blood at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 (considered the Waterloo of Japan) slamming into Ukita Hideies clan of 17,000. By the end of this massive battle 60,000 heads would be taken as trophies. On the armor, you may notice part of the mid-section lacing has deteriorated. It may have been a result of poor storage. However, there may have been a more grisly reason. The lace remnants show light red discoloration. In battle, the beaten enemies head would be severed and carried. That spot where the lacing is coming apart is about the location where it would have been secured for transport. However, its just a theory. One day I will probably take a portion of the lace to a lab for further testing. Heres the actual armor worn by Ii Naomasa at Sekigahara (just showing it for comparison). Artist representation of Ii Naomasas actions at Sekigahara. Overall, the armor is in excellent condition. I feel fortunate to have such an important piece of history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerSix Posted May 24, 2003 Author Share Posted May 24, 2003 Heres a samurai commanders baton (Sai-hai). Looks like a flywhisk, and I bet on many occasions it was used just for that. Its major function was to direct actions on the battlefield. This piece was made sometime around 1750. The previous picture above shows the sai-hai in use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerSix Posted May 24, 2003 Author Share Posted May 24, 2003 This last piece Im showing you guys is my favorite samurai sword. It was made in the Chikuzen province by a sword smith named Nobukuni Yoshimasa somewhere between 1624 and 1644. The blade is truly a work of art. Its in fresh polish, so you can brush your teeth from the reflection of the blade. Sharp as a razor also. Sadly, I will not be able to take it over to Korea. Ive heard rumors that Korean customs confiscates items such as this for 6 months or so. BTW: The photo's were not taken by me, but professionally done by the sword dealer (He's one of the best in the country - totally recommend if you're ever in the market.) Well, thats about it. Hope I didnt put anyone to sleep. Its been a pleasure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audible Nectar Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Good luck to you, Ranger, and may you return safely to build yet another theater! Odds are, we will still be here to help you do it again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hwatkins Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Outstanding stuff---- A very good friend of mine picked up some sort of virus during his Vietnam stint that extended through his service as White House Telecommunications director for the Reagan years that requires him to collect Asian Dragon artwork (it must be a virus - otherwise how do you explain the illness?). He introduced me to the outstanding beauty of that part of the world's art with an attention to detail that is disarmingly consistent. Good luck on your next assignment. Your gift to the parents is so nice - I hope my job as a parent is good enough to get that sort of reward someday. The thought is so loving that you have probably assured a high profile in their will. And yes to all that have read my off topic posts - That good friend is a staunch conservative Republican and I am a very dedicated liberal. And good friend he is - it just reminds us all that from a foundation standpoint we are more alike than different. Lastly Ranger - serving this country is, in the final analysis, one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Thanks for watching our backside... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluless Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Ranger, I have news for you. I AM YOUR REAL MOTHER. Good luck on your next assignment, and I hope that you can wrangle some computer time here and there to check in with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEAR Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Ranger, Some exquisite armor you have there,all I can do is admire.Great stuff Nice HT Good luck and stay sharp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m00n Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Hey Ranger, good luck to you man. Keep your head low and be safe. Nice very nice collection of culture there. I think my personal favorite culture is ancient Egyptian. Again, you be carefull over there. m00n Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerSix Posted May 24, 2003 Author Share Posted May 24, 2003 Thanks everyone for the kind comments. Clu ... woaa there, one mother is MORE than enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkrop Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Good luck to you! May your overseas duty be safe and rewarding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skonopa Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 I also want to extend my well wishes and prayers. That is indeed a very nice gester in giving away your HT setup to your parents as a gift. I hope they will enjoy it as much as you have. Also, I also want to commend you on a very nice collection of Japenese antiquities. I also noticed that you have your sword displayed correctly (with the curved side up - like a frown face - ""). For those that don't know - displaying it like that keeps the "business" edge of the blade from resting against the scabbard, thus preventing the blade from getting dulled and the scabbard from getting damaged. Hey, good luck on your new assignment, and if you get a chance - drop in. There are a bajilion internet cafe's in South Korea - so getting online should not be to much of a problem. Also, as fellow Army - thanks for your service to our country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sj993 Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Hey Ranger, Good luck to you in Korea... Nice HT also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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