Ed

Yes, that is a photo of the kojiri or saya butt cap. Below is a link if you want to see the whole koshirae. Unfortunately it is missing the Kurigata and Uragawara. I have been looking for those and a matching tsuba, kozuka for several years to no avail. Nice material on that sword bag. http://yakiba.com/wak_jumyo.htm

I am trying to determine what the actual inscription "Katsu Ryu Gan" means. I am wondering if I have misinterpreted it, whether these kanji should read "Kin-zo gan" or if they have a different meaning. I know Kinzogan means gold inlaid inscription, but have never seen the actual words "Kin zo gan" inscribed into the nakago. ?????????????? The owners name follows in white gold (see photo). I assume it is white gold, it seems silver would be tarnished. You are learning, I am learning. That's what's so cool about this hobby, you never stop learning. :D Thanks, Ed

Looks like you guys are slowing down, here's a little something to keep it going.

...what "Katsu Ryu Gan" means. See photo. I have the kanji translated but do not know the meaning. It is on the nakago of a Katana which also bears the owners name in white gold. I have never run across this before. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks, Ed [/img][/url]

He should have listed it as a "Rare Paul Chen Body Test" Blade.

Shock and disbelief. That was my look when I saw how high the bidding has gone on that sword. Unbelievable !! E-bay is a strange beast.

Hi John, I hope my previous post did not indicate that I thought this to be a Tsuba of the Nanban style, it is not. I will try to be more precise. It is only an example of a tsuba made from Nanban Tetsu, or Foreign Steel. Motte: With, by, of. The inscription "Motte Nanban Tetsu" means, made "of nanban tetsu". "Motte Nanban Tetsu" in the inscription on this tsuba is describing material's used only. "Motte Nanban Tetsu" bears no indication to the School where it was made.

I think Grey is correct in saying that the ones you have linked to are called Nanban(namban) due to design not metallurgic properties. Did they contain any foreign steel in their make up, who knows. There were Tsuba made from Nanban Tetsu and clearly labeled as such, just as some swords were. Again, were they 100% nanban tetsu, ??. Here is a link to one made in 1793, by Tsuguhide. It states, "Made with Nanban Tetsu". http://yakiba.com/tsuba_nanbantetsu.htm

I normally do the Tampa and SF shows, but never seem to make Chicago. I was thinking of doing the one in MN, seems like it may be different. Maybe some new blood, new stuff to see. Like you John, I like many different areas of Japanese Art. I prefer and always submit to the NBTHK. My shinsa question was aimed more at the two branches of the NTHK. One group will be in IL., the other in MN. I know Gordon and have dealt with that group. I have never dealt with the group scheduled to be in MN and was curious as to whether or not anyone had any personal experience with them and what their feelings were in regards to them. I noticed the shinsa fees in Mn are almost double the ones in IL. PS: Stephen, I have been meaning to thank you for the recent plugs. If I can ever help you, please do not hesitate to ask.

What is the general train of thought out there on these two upcoming shows ? The Chicago show is the annual Token Kai with shinsa. The Minneapolis show is a new concept featuring varying facets of Japanese Arts and Artisans co-mingling with the general public for the introduction and appreciation of our hobby as well as others. It will also feature a shinsa. What do you guys think of the latter of the two vs the traditional show ? Why? Which will you attend ? Why ? Even if unable to attend which would you prefer ? Why ? Which shinsa group do you prefer ? Why ? I know, Why, Why, Why. Why not.

John, There is a book by the name of: Historical and Geographical Dictionary of Japan by Edmond Papinot . It is a reprint of the original from the early 1900's. While not related to nihonto, it does list towns, prefectures etc., along with the kanji. It's historical information is worth having.

Great articles, look forward to the book.

There is a new treatment for the dermatalogic reaction to Urushi. It is called "All Stop" and it is formulated to neutralize the urushi oils. Read aout it here: http://www.dermatechrx.com/poisonivy/?wcw=google&gclid=CO7q16zT94gCFSVtFQodsD23pg

Martin, Nothing to either of those knots. Folding either: Put sword in all the way to the bottom of bag (duh). Fold top over to top of kashira. Fold all down over sword. Fold vertically around tsuka and begin tying. Koshirae: Once the bag is folded, wrap Fusahimo around snugly and evenly in a spiraling pattern. When approx. 6-8 inches remain, pull both cords under last loop of the wrap. Pull til snug. Seperate the two loops(that you pulled under). Lay the tassels over this and tie a simple overhand knot. Pull the tassels and knot alternately until tight. Viola. Shirasaya: once folded, wrap the cord around tightly in a spiraling pattern until 5-6 inches remain. Fold the remainder and push the doubled end under the last loop of the wrap. Pull Tight. Viola again.

Hi Mike, I am glad it helped. Ed

Hi Guys, Spotted this and thought I would dump my invaluable two cents worth in. I have a Katana signed Gassaku mei by Kunitsuna and Kunihiro. Therefore I have done a little research in this regard. What I have found is that, Sagami no Kami Fujiwara Kunitsuna was a member of the Kunihiro Kei which was part of the Settsu Kuni along with the Meshina, Kaneyasu and Tadatsuna Kei's. This seems to be substantiated by the sword I own, as it is signed jointly by both Kunitsuna and Kunihiro. There does not seem to be any detailed information on any particular "Kunitsuna". There were however many Kunitsuna's. Hawley's lists 2.5 pages of them, and they are from all over ie; Bizen, Yamashiro, Yamato, Satsuma, Sagami Bungo, Echizen, Awa, Soshu, Settsu, etc., etc. I have attached a link to photos of my sword, if you would like to see it for comparisons. http://yakiba.com/KatanaKunihiroKunitsunaDescriptionpg.htm

Mike, Weapons and arms are prohibited. You are not shipping either, you are shippng an Antique work of Art. Labeled "Antique Japanese Sword greater than 100 years old", should be accepted. Keep in mind that writng "Japanese Sword" on a label, looks an awful lot like a neon sign saying, "STEAL ME". I ship to not only Germany but all of Europe on a regular basis via USPS. On the label write exactly this: "Antique Nihonto greater than 100 years old". Be sure and use the "greater than 100 years old", this will assist your buyer in eliminating import duty taxes. The employees at my branch of the USPS know exactely what I ship, and never give me a problem. The employees where you ship may need educating on the difference between art and weapons. Previously when this was discussed here, I was told it was dishonest to omit the word sword, so you decide.

To answer your previous question regarding why shinsakuto are so exspensive, I would guess it is simple. Today's smith trying to make a living in a very exspensive world. Just my guess for what it is worth.

Yes, I have a Hizen Tadakuni Wakizashi with Orikaeshi-Mei. It can be seen at this link: http://yakiba.com/kat_daishotadakuni.htm

Fujishiro's rates his work as chujosaku and wazamono. Whether he had rich or poor customers, he must have forged decent swords. Still hope to find one to compare it to. I find it difficult to believe there is not one extant example. I appreciate you looking.

Grey, I appreciate the effort. Fujishiro's list's this smith but doesn't have an oshigata for comparison. Perhaps one will turn up. Thanks again. Ed

Justin, I would think this an appropriate topic under the "general discussion" heading.

Any chance of someone out there in sword cyberspace having a known good oshigata of this smith: Hojoji Tachibana Sadanobu

Make no mistake, my vote is to keep the general discussion board dedicated to Japanese related subject matter only. What I was saying in regards to an "Off Topic" section, was that I don't care one way or the other if the board decides to implement such a feature. Having an open discussion among friends would be difficult using the PM option. The rugby topic is a prime example. I couldn't care less about rugby, but it didn't bother or offend me that you guys discussed it. I just think it did not belong under the topic of general nihonto discussion.

I also agree that the General discusssion section should maintain some relevance to Japanese culture. On the other hand, I do not have a problem with a seperate "off topic" catagory, in order to discuss whatever you like. That way if someone wished to discuss anything with their friends here, they could. If you don't like the idea, simply avoid the catagory or do not participate.