Tsuyama City Branch Nbthk Exhibition

[Bugyotsuji]

This season in the Chugoku area of Japan there are numerous sword shows in the calendar.

 

This weekend was the annual NBTHK exhibition below Tsuyama Castle, a first for me personally, by car about 90 minutes away on the low road.

 

It was interesting to see how they had lined up their blades. At first it seemed pretty random. Number 1 was a Hosokawa Masayoshi, then some other Hosokawas, followed by a new blade or two, and then suddenly a line of Kamakura, Namboku Cho and Muromachi blades, finally ending with 10 Edo blades. Huh???

 

Gradually it became clear. Pride of place was given to the outstanding Juyo blade and koshirae by Hosokawa Masayoshi , (a famous smith from the Tsuyama Sakuyo/Mimasaka fief) and then a Juyo by his son Masamori, and some fine examples from his other disciples Masaaki, Masanori, and Masatoshi.

 

Next they were  showing two present-day blades by smiths continuing the old tradition.  (The people of Tsuyama are very proud of thier history.)

 

The rest of the blades along the wall followed the normal old-to-new pattern representing different ages from around the country.  

 

They added variety to their sword display by hanging one wall with Ukiyo-e by Utamaro. There were some central tables, with a) iron tsuba on one, B) some old Edo maps on another, c) a glass display case of Hansatsu paper money, and d) another filled with Koban gold coins. In the far corner was a teppo section with some pistols and two or three large-bore O-zutsu.

 

As an NBTHK member I was made welcome with a bento lunch.

For me the exhibits were fascinating, but equally so was the interaction between the brother and sisterhood.

[Bugyotsuji]

Here is the Masayoshi Juyo blade.

Probably not visible in the photo, (yes, right, both the lighting and my photography need serious improvement) but this blade shows his typical choji ha, with ashi at opposing angles. He and his son used an indented stamp in the nakago.

(Translation of card.)

Katana. Sakuyo Bakkashi Hosokawa Masayoshi (Kokuin seal)
Ura Mei Kaei Gan .. Nen 12th month and day
71.2 cm (Edo Period, latter part)

[SwordGuyJoe]

I just LOVE Hosokawa Masayoshi's work. As I learned (and still learn) kanji and beginning to frequent more and more Japanese only websites, I would often click on Masayoshi's work while searching for smith's I collect, one being Morioka Masayoshi. I was so impressed by his work as I "accidentally" stumbled on to him. Now, I tend to click the link, though I know it has nothing to do with smith's that I collect simply for the joy to view an exceptional blade by an exceptional smith.

 

I am very jealous that you had such a great opportunity. Thank you for sharing!

[Bugyotsuji]

Haha, Joe, no need to be jealous. I am just trying to share what was there.

 

For you, a katana by his son Hosokawa Masamori. Ansei 4. Juyo.

[lonely panet]

I'm with Joe. I really think hosokawa masayoshi is really under rated.