“Black birds tend to like Shiny Things.” ~ The Bloody Raven
When Scottsdale made it’s initial release, Apmex sum up the story of this coin this way;
“…. the 2018 Samurai Archives .999 Fine Silver Coin features the 12th-century samurai Taira no Kiyomori. Taira no Kiyomori was a powerful and influential Japanese military leader during the late Heian period in Japan. As the head of the fearsome Taira clan, Kiyomori gained prominence through his military triumphs during the Hogen and Heiji Rebellions. Tiara no Kiyomori came to dominate court politics as well, bringing an end to direct Imperial rule and establishing the first samurai-dominated administrative government in the history of Japan. The 2018 Fiji Samurai Archives Silver coin has a design rooted in Japanese history.” A1.
Scottsdale mint’s 2018 inaugural issue of the Samurai Archives and the ONLY one so far as there is no further information on press releases on site, I had to ask the Customer Service representative on the status of this series and their reply is as follows;
“We are anticipating to have more released; we just have not had a design to put out at this time. The series should be continued though.”
Hai! The Coin
2018 Fuji Dollar Samurai Archives
The Original Artwork
Original 1840 Woodblock print; Taira no Kiyomori’s Ghostly Vision
Origin of the Bloody Raven: The Kurasu – Part 2 Kobeyashi and Takashi
Hideaki's men parted as she turned to leave the court, pausing briefly, turned and bowed once more to acknowledge her host one last time before departing.
Lord Hideaki replied with the slightest of nods.
That was enough.
His Samurai continued to be suspicious and wary of her presence even as the Lord declared her as personal retainer with free access to the castle anytime to perform her assigned role.
Regardless of House Guard Captain Yuici's protest, and the Shinbutsu-shūgõ Monk Fumio's advice to lord Hideaki, the deal was struck with the 'Demon' woman.
Outside Onku village the house was lit when Teshine arrived home in the late hour.
Kobeyashi was still awake, he already knew she was home no matter how quiet she entered. In the flickering candle light he again tested a few pieces of metal by the characteristic texture of their surface and the tone as he tapped them at various points with a metal rod.
2018 Fuji Dollar Samurai Archives
The blind sword maker really didn't need the candle light but tended it for her benefit. "So what did Hideaki say?"
"I will be in his service for protection of his wife and son." Teshine replied in a matter of fact way.
"Really?"
"He gave me this gift for you." Teshine placed the Lord Hideaki's gift on his work table.
His tactile hands tested the delicately wrapped package. Opening the package he recognized the feel of gold ryo. His eyebrows arched in surprise, "Twenty Ryo. He must either be afraid or desperate. I wonder who are his recent political enemies are?"
"Hideaki also proclaimed to lift the dishonor of our name and offer tax respite should I be able fulfill my duty to his offer."
Kobayashi grinned as a proud parent, "I had faith in you even in the day I took you as a stranger in need. We were both outcasts and found solace in each other. My barren wife would have been proud of you. It is as if the heavens puts us together for our mutual need."
"It is early, shall I begin to make you breakfast?"
"Come rest, and tell me what else happened."
Bonus Coin from the Tokugawa Era
1817-1846 100 Mon Tenpotsūhō
Teshine poured two cups of cool tea for herself and her adopting father then knelt opposite of his work table. The table was old but sturdy. Tools, sharpening stones, a few rough blades, metal tamahagani pieces were arranged in a purposeful fashion familiar to his work habits. The same way four years ago when he decided to take her in and took his late wife's place in his neglected, disheveled home and assisted him with his work when needed.
A year later his brother Takashi returned home from serving in Edo as part of an Imperial mustering of forces to quell down a rebellion. He questioned his brother's decision to take in a foreign woman. But Takashi's words were not received well in Kobeyashi's ears claiming a sudden deafness at par with his eye sight. "Because she is the only one alive with some dignity to help a blind, dishonored soul like me and I did not know if you would survive the campaign. The village hardly sends anyone to help me. Demon or not heaven had sent me a helper to wash me, provide food at our table, help with my work, clean my house and warms my bed without complaint. She deserves the new sword I promised her and you Takashi will teach her the way of the Samurai. "
1817-1846 100 Mon Tenpotsūhō
His teacup is always placed in front and to his right above his small hammer.
"Thank you Teshine."
"Captain Yuici still spits upon our name and challenged me."
The door to Takashi's room slides open, the younger brother emerged from his room as he rubbed his thin beard. "My sleep was light but I find your news satisfying considering you walked out of Hideaki Castle alive." He glanced at the stack of gold Ryo on the table. "And with a rich gift too, looks much more than an officer's lifetime pay."
Teshine pours another cup of tea for the Samurai brother as he takes his place at the table. "I admit to underestimating how capable our Teshine is... seems like I am always underestimating since I began teaching you the warrior's way three years ago. I already knew that your hands were stained with the blood of not just men but of many judging from you reluctance and in the manner and experience you wield a blade. "
Teshine looked into Takashi's eyes, "I have killed those I thought most deserving, there are some that I have doubt so I carry the burden of regret ."
"Now our daughter finally says it." Takashi shakes his head with a grin. "It is no surprise as it is the lot of a Samurai. As you have learned the lord that orders the warrior into battle bears that burden, the warrior is expected to do his duty but do so with the least suffering of his enemy. There is honor in that."
1817-1846 100 Mon Tenpotsūhō
Kobeyashi gently put down his tool on the table, his brother took after his father's sentiments as a Samurai that exercised his rigid sense of Bushido honor while Kobeyashi himself was more influenced by his Uncle Sēnju who was a Buddhist monk. The definition of Honor had always been a contentious point between the brothers. "Honor is but a thin cloak in a cold grave." Turning to Teshine, "Lost is the teaching in the exercise of mercy but also being comforted to know that the opponent suffered little in death. Long ago Lord Kiyomori died regretting the death of thousands by his hand. Many suffer and die in the rebellions and battles of little tactical value and finally his conscience tortured his soul. The true price of ambition."
"I'm in no mood to argue that again brother, we should celebrate the success of our daughter!" Takashi turns to Teshine, "I am proud and eager to hear what you did to that stuck up Captain Yuici and any of his band of Samurai bullies".
I hope you enjoyed this very special feature,
And thank you for stopping by my world coin article today.
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Previous Episode and Related Articles
Origins of the Bloody Raven: I am Mintauru: Part One – The Karasu
References
1. All are my own pictures shot with a Samsung SM-A530W unless otherwise indicated.
Sources
P1. Raven Moon by Alexas Fotos under Pixabay
“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”
