Satcho

Stunning blade and mounts. I do like the heft of both; indicative for Bakumatsu era. Michael http://satcho.com

Hi Hamfish, Got a few calls re this book today - thanks for remembering me. I always enjoy talking swords during my commute. Best regards, Michael http://satcho.com

Hi Mariusz and Brian, The link Mariusz posted is for the survey and advanced notice of new arrivals. So the books listed including Nagayama's Connoisseur's Book and others the are in stock but not yet uploaded to the general website; IE: only accessible though the direct link. Incidentally, the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3XKJJYX has already received input which as noted I intend to share - some neat books have been cited...many I had anticipated, others I had not. To those who've participated my thanks. Others please do if so inclined. Thanks and, Best regards, Michael

Hi Grey, We have both Jukken and Gendai Toko Meikan here in stock, and I am happy to help. Let me know which pics you need. Best regards, Michael Harris satcho.com http://www.satcho.com Specialists in books related to the study & appreciation of the Japanese sword as art. _______________________________________________

Hi John, As a life member, let me be the first to respond with thanks to you for your current and future efforts, and for Terry's efforts in keeping the Newsletter going until now. As they say, thanks for taking on a thankless job. Kind regards, Michael Harris satcho.com http://satcho.com Specialists in books related to the study & appreciation of the Japanese sword as art. _______________________________________________

Hello Rick, The primary reference cited for signature examples in the Haynes' Index is Wakayama's Toso Kodogu Meiji Taikei. Toso Kodogu Meiji Taikei is a comprehensive, three volume compilation of actual tsuba-ko signatures, a meikan. Highly regarded by Haynes and others, I recall seeing the set in use at the 2006 NTHK Shinsa in New Jersey. The sets typically sell to our want list before posting to our website. Best regards, Michael Harris satcho.com http://satcho.com Specialists in books related to the study & appreciation of the Japanese sword as art. _______________________________________________

There are no shinsa scheduled for the northeast US this year. I see that you have gotten some very good feedback already with the previous post. A shinsa will give you an expert opinion. If looking for more comments, have you tried connecting with local collectors or a sword club? Michael http://satcho.com

It's good to know what you are looking at. Good books should aid in your enjoyment of the swords and tsuba. Thanks. Michael http://satcho.com

John, Jean, Thank you both for the welcome. I was warned by Harry Watson that studying fittings is like swords - only harder. My interest in tosogu was sparked by the very generous members of the NY and Northern California clubs through which I came to see exemplary works. Then flipping through books I repeatedly found myself drawn to some of the same schools: Akasaka, Owari, and Kyo-sukashi. I can say given a small collection of Akasaka "wannabes" (read, need more study) that it can be hard as Harry said, but it can also be very satisfying. As I know you are both diligent in your studies, for the benefit of those new to tosogu what are your specific interests and what references have you found most useful (and why)? Michael http://satcho.com

Dino, There have been some very good suggestions here (thank you Jean for the referral). In my opinion the best books are very satisfying and the specific titles will be different for different readers. It all depends on what the reader is out to accomplish. Many books in this field may be defined as survey or reference texts. A beautiful "coffee table" book can be a general survey that inspires a reader to learn more, or a detailed study of a specific school and in that regard is a reference text. The Sasano books mentioned focus on iron sukashi, while the Baur book is an excellent survey of soft metal works. Both are great books depending on what you want to learn more about. Knowing that you enjoyed Lethal Elegance, what specifically caught your interest? The answer to that can be a good predictor of satisfaction in your next selection. Enjoy your studies. Michael Harris http://satcho.com