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Showing content with the highest reputation on 07/30/2021 in Posts

  1. The swords have just been cleaned, thanks for the reporting.
    5 points
  2. If I may, I'd like to suggest a change in approach. Those of us who could easily see the sword as a fake were able to do so, not because we have memorized a list of rules (the kanji shouldn't be too spread out, for example), but rather, because we have looked at so many of the real thing. Once you set a rule that says no real Nihonto have wide spread kanji in their mei, some sword will pop up with atypical spacing and prove you wrong. However, once you have looked closely at 1,000 true Nihonto, either in hand or in a good book, you will never be fooled by a sword like the one up top. Study Grasshopper. Grey
    4 points
  3. Oh yes! An accidental arrival but it is a Mino den katana/tachi with an iron tsuba, clearly battle damaged in WWII and mounted as a Burmese dha. Worth almost nothing but can't ever let it go. It started me on a journey of discovery for which I will always be grateful. All the best.
    3 points
  4. I searched for it but didn't see an existing thread and figured we could benefit from a little eye candy. There are so many tsuba that I think are spectacular but I'll try to refrain from going overboard, so I'll just post one This one is a kawari (irregular) shape made by the Tenpo/Tembo school. Everything about this makes me think "wow". The overall balance of the irregularity, the relative shapes of the sukashi cutouts balanced with the one hitsu-ana, the surface texture and the raise lip of hammered rim, as well as the one sukashi cutout that was filled with an intricately textured shakudo plug. I realize that everyone will appreciate different design elements of the nearly infinite variety of tsuba and that not everyone's favorite will be favorited by all. My intention is NOT to identify "the best tsuba", but just see a variety of tsuba that make us all say "wow", or maybe call attention to something that someone may not have considered before. Feel free to post a tsuba that you admire and maybe a little blurb about what exactly made you pick that particular piece.
    2 points
  5. No, I do not. This is not counting the Chinese replica wall hanger which I bought as a student and is still in my dad’s flat. As as regards genuine nihonto, in fact I have sold the first four blades I acquired in order to upgrade my collection. My goal is to own not more than 10 swords and even that is probably too many. So I try to not become emotionally attached to blades or objects which are not of strong familial sentimental value.
    2 points
  6. I still have my first sword, bought in 1976. I thought at the time that every blackbelt needed a sword. Who knew that it would start me on this long journey.
    2 points
  7. I have been to the Museum many times, this is the first time I see this happening. I proceeded to report it to the Director of the Museum who immediately went to check. In addition, those blades are only touched with gloves, so I think they may be "fingerprints of fabric ".
    2 points
  8. I came across this one in a book, it just strikes me as powerful with the imagery and motion depicted:
    2 points
  9. Not spamming when posting swords - most any sword is a pleasure to look at... -t
    2 points
  10. Iron Tsuba signed Edo ju Umetada Masatsugu size 6.9 x 6.3 cm Beautifully shaped , thinner towards centre , very tactile , design of gingko leaves
    1 point
  11. At the San Francisco show coming up will be a OUTSTANDING display for study put on by the NBTHK-AB of Ichijo and Nagatsune fittings it will be the best display ever put on in the USA of there works I believe all of the Nagatsune are in his sketch book and the most of the Ichijo in the original boxes from Ichijo when he made them for the original buyer If you are a Kodogu person or just want to see the best of the best, come the the show and see the display as a grouping like this will not be put together again !!!!!! Fred Geyer
    1 point
  12. The swords were owned by a big time gun collector that went for very flashy things. One blade is mumei and the other likely gimei. I am debating whether to go have a look in hand, since they are about 3 hours away.
    1 point
  13. I do and I won't let go (unless I get a ridiculous offer haha) - Shodai Tadayoshi o tanto made for Nabeshima Naoshige. https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20503/lot/1186/ 😇 John
    1 point
  14. Me also Barry, I got my Shodan in 1981 and like you felt that I needed a Nihonto. A friend of my brother got me this little beauty. Then I like you started on the "LONG JOURNEY TO NIHONTO". Made the mistake then of going down the Chinato path, But luchily over time I was educated and got rid of them all and now only have a few decent Nihonto and Iaito. To date I am now a Godan in Shotokan and a Dan Grade in MJER and still training every week and practising at 66yrs old. What was your grade in ?
    1 point
  15. Bruno, I'm also a fan of so many of the Higo school tsuba, including these elegantly "simple" ones from Hirata Hikozo, as well as these ones from Kamiyoshi, and Jingo: I also really like some of the elaborate Hayashi tsuba:
    1 point
  16. Hi Bob, here a tsuba from my collection resembling yours No. 88 T103.pdf
    1 point
  17. I do, too. An osuriage naginata with a VERY nice tsuka that I bought from Andy Quirt in, - are you sitting down? - 1965. Peter
    1 point
  18. Indeed I do! Bought from Tim Pepins father back in 1980 something... -t
    1 point
  19. It's not saying much, since I acquired my first two blades this year, but I still have them. Again, not that it counts for much as I'm at the beginning of my journey, but I don't see myself letting them go in the future.
    1 point
  20. Like the Yagyu display so many years ago or seeing all those Kaneiye in person at the DTI in 2014, this sounds such a rare opportunity that I looked into plane flights same day in and out just to attend. Prices, times, and layovers proved a bridge too far, but I am still looking into any last minute deals that can remotely line up with my work schedule. The AB-NBTHK Yagyu publication doesn't convey half the value of seeing the Yagyu display in person. I've seen a few of the Nagatsune belonging to one of the exhibitors and really encourage people to attend. For my own sake, I hope this display can come to an East Coast function some day or recur. I regret it wasn't announced earlier, as missing it is certainly my educational loss in the shadow of some great pieces being displayed. Three of the best fittings collectors in the USA trotting out some of the best stuff.... bite my tongue if I miss it. Edit: I just saw Barry's post below. Another reason to attend. One of the most beautiful swords I've ever seen was a TokuJuyo (Yamato) Hosho on display at SF about 18 or 19 years ago. Knock your socks off Instant KO. I've long hoped to see that one again some day.
    1 point
  21. Hi All, These days I am visiting my elderly mother in North-Eastern Italy for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, so I took the opportunity to go to the Asian Art Museum (Museo d'Arte Orientale) in Venice (see also here for a virtual 3D tour). I am sorry to say that the exhibition feels old-fashioned and somewhat disappointing: the artifacts are amassed in dark vitrines with little context and no attribution, and it is left to the viewer to pick the good stuff from the background noise. For what concerns Nihonto, I recall hundreds of undistinguished koshirae, three or four vitrines of sword fittings (including some really nice stuff, unfortunately the reflections on the glass prevented me from taking decent pictures), one vitrine of arrowheads, one vitrine of bare tanto blades with showy horimono, and finally one vitrine with fifteen bare sword blades: The surprise came when I looked closer: many of the blades sported big, fat fingerprints!!! I got hold of two staff members and showed them the problem, they told me that they would report it to the person in charge of the conservation. However, it did not look like they were taking me too seriously: at first they thought I was referring to the hamon, my reaction to that was a bit piqued...
    1 point
  22. Noshi-themed tsuba signed Namitoshi. It just sold quite cheap on Catawiki, but it looks in bad condition and possibly depatinated:
    1 point
  23. David, glad to see it's arrived! Quite a beauty. I just noticed the Army company-grade tassel. Odd to be on a kaigunto. Maybe added by the G.I. who brought it home, or a post-war owner?
    1 point
  24. Dear Rob. The blade is o suriage so the nakago you see now is a part of what was originally the blade itself, hence the rather smooth surface and the clean cut nakago jiri. New mekugi ana are drilled and the surface looks quite different as you observed. All the best.
    1 point
  25. Thanks for your intervention, the reach of the NMB community never fails to impress...
    1 point
  26. I have received the sword and I must say I absolutely enjoy it. Just wow, really interesting and pleasing to my eye. I also did some research on that mon with the aid of a book that I have and I did found this design in there. Made some quick snapshots with my phone, enjoy(see posts below)
    1 point
  27. Best photos of a "Pineapple sword" I've ever seen!
    1 point
  28. Gloves should not leave marks like that.
    1 point
  29. Got a burr under your bonnet Peter? Your whole post is odd. I get cranky sometimes when things are getting to me at home. Need to talk?
    1 point
  30. AOI art’s descriptions of tosogu can a bit sparse at times. I’ve attached some more information about your smith. I received funding from the Japanese government to conduct research on Japanese philosophy and environmental ethics, so I’m not currently teaching, but I’ve previously taught courses on continental philosophy, existentialism, modern ethical ideals, and Asian philosophy. What about yourself?
    1 point
  31. I am challenged by this entire thread. These ALL(!) look to me like individually produced "things" that were made by and for brain-washed folks who understood only the worst parts of their culture and patrimony. These were made in very small shops by guys with a few files and some recycled bar-stock for guys who drank the cool-aide. They are diverse because every decision involved in their production involved figuring out how to deal with the available scraps. These swords will NEVER be allowed into Japan because they are embarrassing. Peter
    1 point
  32. WOW Thank you for sharing. The shame about the fingerprints and the lack of caring on the keepers part is the same reason other Great Pieces of Art are lost for ever or destroyed. MikeR
    1 point
  33. It will be Saturday as part of the NBTHK-AB exhibits. The time allotment is from 1-3 although there are 2 displays. 1 mentioned above from 1-2pm and the other will be a lecture on Yamato swords where there will be 6 Juyo examples of Yamato swords from the different schools in Yamato from 2-3pm.
    1 point
  34. I had hoped it was helpful, leading to the desired information.
    1 point
  35. Sadly no shinsa this year but big things still happening... Please note the NBTHK/AB is scheduled to present five! Juyo blades representing the five main schools of the Yamato-den. In addition a very special presentation of kodogu will be on display. "At the San Francisco show coming up will be an OUTSTANDING display for study put on by the NBTHK-AB of Goto Ichijo and Ichinomiya Nagatsune fittings it will be the best display ever put on in the USA of their works I believe all of the Nagatsune are examples in his sketch book and most of the Ichijo are in the original boxes from Ichijo when he made them for the original buyer! If you are a Kodogu person or just want to see the best of the best, come the the show and see the display, as a grouping like this will not be put together again !!!!!!" Schedule for the sword show just dropped... 2021 TOKEN KAI SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY AUGUST 6 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Dealer Set-up Ballroom F-J 12:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. Public Show Hours Ballroom F-J 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Cocktail Reception Foyer F SATURDAY AUGUST 7 9:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M. Show Hours Ballroom F-J 10:00 AM-11:00 P.M. JSSUS Etiquette Lecture Ballroom C-D 11:00 A.M.11:30 A.M. NBTHKAB Board Meeting. Ballroom C-D 1:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M. NBTHKAB Display/Forum Ballroom C-D 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Cocktail/Dinner Reception* Foyer F SUNDAY AUGUST 8 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. Show Hours Ballroom F-J 4:00 P.M. Show Closes Thank you *This event is for Exhibitors only.
    1 point
  36. Schedule of events - just posted 2021 TOKEN KAI SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY AUGUST 6 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Dealer Set-up Ballroom F-J 12:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. Public Show Hours Ballroom F-J 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Cocktail Reception Foyer F SATURDAY AUGUST 7 9:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M. Show Hours Ballroom F-J 10:00 AM-11:00 P.M. JSSUS Etiquette Lecture Ballroom C-D 11:00 A.M.11:30 A.M. NBTHKAB Board Meeting. Ballroom C-D 1:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M. NBTHKAB Display/Forum Ballroom C-D 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Cocktail/Dinner Reception* Foyer F SUNDAY AUGUST 8 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. Show Hours Ballroom F-J 4:00 P.M. Show Closes Thank you *This event is for Exhibitors only.
    1 point
  37. I teach philosophy. What do you teach?
    1 point
  38. Darrel - The hotel has a free shuttle no need to rent a car! -t
    1 point
  39. Too bad this wasn’t revealed before. With fires all over the west, planes to and from SFO delayed because of smoke, and car rental scarce and expensive I decided to wait another year. I would have found a way had I known. Hopefully somebody will take pictures and post them.
    1 point
  40. I know of some of the pieces in the collections being used for this, and this would be a high level exhibition even in Japan. Some things that will be shown will be shown for the first time. I haven't been to the USA for 5 years but this exhibition makes me want to get on a plane. Good luck.
    1 point
  41. Michael - My usual advice to first time visitors is "Leave your wallet at home!" - you'll see so much good stuff you can fill up a suitcase pretty quick. Seriously though Grey has covered what you need to know - if you get to the show and have questions you can ask any of our members - recognizable by the black and white happi coats - we are happy to point you toward persons who collect in a certain area or answer general questions about sword stuff. Since there are booksellers there if you find you need a reference while making a purchase decision many folks will be happy to lend you a book so you can do your research on the spot. If your wife likes decorating there are often paintings, scrolls and woodblock prints along with pottery and other things to look at - if she likes kodogu there will be lots of good stuff to eye and one of our members even makes her own jewelry from kodogu. If she'd prefer a long walk there is a beautiful bayside promenade just outside the hotel that is popular with locals. Give your self plenty of time to see everything, keeping in mind that some table holders will duck out during meal times so you may have to circle back to catch them "at work". Do take the time to introduce yourself and do give us your feedback afterwards as we are always looking to improve the experience for folks... -tch
    1 point
  42. Another small tsuba , shakudo with gold silver and copper inlays. Theme of ' horse from a gourd ' with the wizard Chokaro. Size 6.5 x 6.1cm signed Naokatsu , but which one ? Inagawa / Yanagawa ? Hamano ? Any help with this would be appreciated . Thanks !
    1 point
  43. Museums aren't known for their "loving care" of Nihonto, & I can't recall seeing a museum exhibition in the U.S. that impressed me.
    0 points
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