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Dang. Don't think I had that one on file. I've messaged him to see if he's got a serial number photo on file.

Hi Phil, that's fantastic. Did this sword come from that surrender, or at another time? It's a bit sad that many of these swords no longer have the story and documents with them, glad you are helping him with it. The Kai Gunto Rear Admiral Kamada surrendered on HMAS Burdekin is in the Australian War Memorial. It's noted as having a 15th century blade and Tsuba. It's not currently on display, but the access number is AWM 20323.

Phil, A couple of requests, if not too much trouble - Is that tassel all brown, or a faded blue/brown? Also, could I get a photo of the Seki stamp or of the full nakago showing the stamp? I assume no date on the other side?

Even if it is not authentic, would it be worth the restorations because pf artistic and historic values? I mean, is the smith's work worth enough if the mei is not genuine? I think it is, but I'm no expert.

Yes, my mates uncle was on the ship that the Japanese surrendered on,the HMAS Burdekin. He watched Admiral Kamada surrender. I have personal photos to prove.

We had this discussion last April! Here is one from today.

Chatting to a tsuba collector today and he said that the Kōgai Hitsu ana is not specifically for a Kōgai. As an example he mentioned tsuba with Kōgai ana on both sides. The smaller extra cutaway does not indicate such a strictly limited function, he said. No problem to pass the end of a Kozuka handle through there, he said.

Thanks so much for your help @Ray Singer

….crushed beetle wings are also used but abalone is by far the most common. Abalone and mother of pearl are two totally different things. Mother of pearl are the large flat plate shaped shells that give us the following colours when polished…..white, yellow, black, bronze and shades thereof. Turban shell is also used but that again is a totally different species Abalone (as used by lacquer artisans) gives us the vibrant iridescent kingfisher blues, pinks, greens and similar. The process of preparing it (as explained to me by someone who knew) for lacquer usage is as usual with Japanese art, very complex and goes roughly like this…. Firstly the sections containing the desired colours are boiled which separates them into mica-thin layers. These are then crushed to varying degrees and passed through sieves and filters that can yield particles from dust sized upwards. The desired sized particles are applied to the damp lacquer base using a selection of sieve-like shakers that enable an accurate distribution. Templates and masks can be used to achieve designs. Further lacquer is applied on top and then polished back to give a smooth surface revealing the iridescent shell embedded.

Don't know if it is a filled ana, a failed attempt or just a sign... but in any case why should it have changed compared to the other examples? there is no apparent reason... To many things do not convince me but this is just my opinion Sebastien take it as such, as I already said take it to someone to see anyway... there have been cases in which I would have gambled the house that a signature was real only to then have to change my mind... over time you become more critical... assuming it is authentic it is still worth making an economic reasoning if you think about a restoration + certification, keeping in mind that Sukehiro's works in suguha are very less valued than an opera in toranba (Sukehiro made beautiful suguha but this is the market). Giordy

Crushed mica is also used.

When you want to visit the Samurai Art Museum make sure that you have enough time. If you want to see everything not in a hurry you will need one day , minimum! Especially in the Kodogu secttion, on the upper floor , you can see very good quality and it is worth for a closer look. Also the Tensho Koshirae (Juyo ! ) In the Kodogu section is worth to study.

tomoe- mon three comma

Crushed abalone shell was used. As well as other materials.

And dont miss CURRY WURST https://www.the-berl...urrywurst-in-berlin/

Hi Randell, do not miss.. https://samuraimuseum.de

Bigger comma https://www.giquello...chi-1333-15?search=& Big but wafer thin. Just how strong would such thin iron plates be against a sword blow?

Hidari-mitsudomoe - associated with Shinto shrines, among many other uses.

I'm going to be in Berlin for next week; I was wondering if there was anything worth seeing there if I have a few spare hours. Thanks!

👍👍

Period and comma...big comma

Henry: I'm not sure what was used in this case, however just about anything can be used to create texture. A sealer is applied to the wood or metal (I use shellac) then a layer of guilders size (adhesive). Once tacky, the texture is applied and allowed to dry. It can be lacquered or painted at this point. After one coat, it can be rubbed down to expose more of the texture then lacquered, if desired. That's the basic process, anyway. John C.

I am assisting with the sale of a large collection of fittings focused on catfish as their motif. I thought it'd be easiest to provide this image composite with all the fittings that are currently available. Please message me directly with any questions or to inquire about a specific piece that I have. Best regards, Ray