Utsubo quiver question

Jos?Dom · Post by **Jos?Dom** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:53 am

Basically there are two styles of Japanese quivers, open and closed. The typical open quiver is the ebira, seen in pictures, movies and present yabusame performances. But there isn't much information about the closed quivers known as Utsubo. I've seen pictures but I still don't know how it was used (on the back? horizontally? vertically?) and how the arrows were placed inside the box. If somebody has more information or pictures where I can use their use, I'll appreciate it.

Dwanyin · Post by **Dwanyin** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:02 am

Like this?

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:36 pm

That is definitely an utsubo. However, the arrows are in the wrong way round.

The utsubo was worn on a belt around the waist. There is usually a series of leather strips in the base of the opening. These were used to keep the blades of the arrowheads separate. These quivers were often used in hunting.

In museums and among collectors in the West, the orientation of the arrows was usually confused.

Jos?Dom · Post by **Jos?Dom** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:47 pm

That's a good example of an Utsubo. One of the things I wanted to know is what Bede said: How the arrows are stored inside. Since it's tied to the waist I wonder if it was used vertically like a tachi sword or in a different position. I've seen hundreds of drawings of samurai wearing ebiras but none wearing utsubo.

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:54 pm

Usually in paintings the rear of the utsubo is slightly elevated.