I wish I knew more about showa...
The beni is a bit confusing to me.
On the one hand it looks thick. The paint completely covers up any scale definition,
EXCEPT...
the Sashi and Kiwa, and that is the part I find confusing about the hi plates.
The scalloped look to the Kiwa is one thing, as marusome Kiwa could well be what I'm seeing.
What makes me nervous is the same scalloped edge on the Sashi. There is submerged beni along the leading edges, but the scalloped edge makes me wonder...
Where's Dick and JR?
BTW, I REALLY like the luster of the skin and shroji scales...