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This was the only print that came with the collection I inherited. It was in a junk frame, so I decided to put it in a decent quality one with UV protection glass. The framer who helped me wanted to make it a floating piece, so I needed to pick out a thicker frame. I did choose the frame design. The pic does not portray the floating part well; it looks better in person. I figured it was worth preserving and would look good on my wall. It has a special backing on it to help preserve it from deteriorating and the off gassing that happens with this rice paper. Jason

Thanks Sam, well said.

Did you choose the frame, Jason? A page out of a book? Famous Kabuki actors? A winter (February) scene of a 55-yr-old travelling samurai wearing a cloak. In a shop? (Just guessing from circumstantial evidence!)

Pic 2

It took about a month and today I received the call to pick up my rice paper print from my frame shop. It is not in perfect condition , but it is an original. I would appreciate any knowledge on this piece, it was one of the other items in a large collection I came into all at once. The guy at the framing store was actually excited to frame this one. He had a couple other prints at the store from someone else to frame when I stopped in to pick mine up. He laughed when I saw them and told me they were tourist reprints, even though people still pay decent money to get them set. Jason

The seki stamp on the tang, that the red arrow in pointing to, is widely understood to identify non-traditionally made swords. Collectors refer to these as “showato”. Meaning this particular blade is not a Nihonto, and therefore recognized as a weapon in Japan. It would be illegal to own there, even if a relative carried it in WW2. Link for the showato info: https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/showato.htm Link for sword law details: https://www.jssus.org/nkp/japanese_sword_laws.html Excerpt from the link: “Only traditionally made Nihonto can be licensed, i.e. swords made in Japan from Tamahagane 玉鋼 (and Shinto swords that are inscribed "Motte Namban-Tesu 以南蠻鐵" ["made using steel from the southern barbarians"]). This means in effect that it has to be either an antique, or made by a contemporary, licensed smith. Mass produced WWII swords (so called Showato昭和刀) and foreign made swords are not eligible for Torokusho.” Beware trusting the embassy officials, as they might not know how to properly identify the difference. I do admire your goal and feelings toward your sword. I just encourage you to consider that fate placed it with you, and maybe that’s where it’s meant to be. All the best, -Sam

Just for clarification - you want to 'practice' with a papered Nihonto?

Thank you Piers. 🙏

I watched what looked like an Issei Naruki utsushi of a Yagyu [bamboo design]. Maybe it is real, but I had serious doubts. It went from $435 to $2613 in the last hour or so of bidding. As an Issei Naruki, probably worth about $1000? I'm largely just a spectator of the few I find interesting, but still some of them are going for far than my retro brain would think to list them.

Thanks all, for your kind advice, I won't attempt any restoration without seeking specialist help first as you recommend. I have worked in the antiques trade for 30 years, so understand the benefits of good restoration....and when not to I should add this is not an item related to my work, I like to collect and learn from some of the pieces that stray into my hands. I'll add more images if anything notable appears.

And a ‘nikuhitsu’ painting by the hand of (Isoda) Masakatsu, Hōbashi Koryūsai, active 1776-82. Kadomatsu with wrapped roots

My Kozuka shows nematsu or nebikimatsu with orizuru paper crane. (Shakudo gold and silver. Mei: Nagamine or Eiho. 永峯)

Check out: https://www.nihontocraft.com/Ko_Naminohira_Katana.html

I agree with Ray. Those are just sub-assembly numbers. I don’t see anything from the pictures provided that would tie this to Korean use or production.

It appears to my eyes to be 八 (eight). Best regards, Ray

Thanks ray, didnt think to check for numbers. and this is the eight? I thought it looked more like he but of course I could be wrong.

The kanji appear to be five and six on the left column and eight on the right. 5 8 6 五 八 六

Hey all, I've recently purchesed this Police Saber, and under the Koichchi cover?(dont what its called) there are a couple of markings. On the right it seems to be the mark for NI and HE, if Im not mistaken it would mean its a second class sword based out of Inchon. So far I havent been able to find anything on the markings to the left, any of you got clues or information? Thanks, Emil

He can open a gentle 'window' in the blade to see what is under the rust there, and whether your blade contains potential for moving the process forward.

Please don't do this until it is a traditionally trained person, specialized in Japanese blades. Recommendation like the one by Piers should absolutely be followed!

kyo menuki motivated to sell as im off to europe in 4 weeks

There is a polisher of Japanese swords in Scotland called Les, a good man. I'd advise showing it to him before any local restorer, if only for some sound advice and direction.

Check a list of Kinko artisans under Toshinaga, but if not, then try Toshihisa, Riju, etc., to find a reading that fits, as each one will have had a personal preferred reading.

Frankly, I still think that being a Catawiki appraiser is an extremely uncomfortable position from which I would be far away , and that the appraiser has nothing to do with appraisal but is only required to give an opinion on authenticity. Based on this, if we think that one of the first things that are explained in this world is that a blade must be seen to be evaluated we already have a paradox...certainly the experience counts so I sincerely ask you, dealers, enthusiasts, collectors (Although I prefer keepers) how much would you rate the Sadayuki posted by Sebastian based only on photos? Personally the valuation 10,500 - 13,000 + fees + shipping is totally crazy for me, even relating it to the European market which tends to be more expensive. Personally if I had to make an assessment on paper I would rate it less than half... but I am curious to hear the opinion of those who know more than me. However, I remain of the idea that the strategy of Catawiki is aimed at the protection of the seller unlike other platforms more equitable , this strategy is based on a solid point that is if the seller is better protected and if the seller earns more will have more incentive to sell through Catawiki than other platforms, this allows the platform to increase the items offer, the increase in the audience of buyers becomes a consequence...their main target of engagement are the sellers not the buyers because simply: + items offer means + items sold = higher commissions. The expert’s evaluation then plays a fundamental role in giving security to the buyer with respect to the perception of value, especially in a mass culture now addicted to reviews. Giordy

Shinobi ana existed since Kamakura era.