Ed

Yes, of course. Not a lot as the prices were a bit overinflated. Compensation for the poor yen I suppose.

More DTI. Sorry for so many posts, these are large files but I wanted large photos for better veiwing.

More DTI

More DTI 2023.

DTI 2023 as promised.

Just returned home after a month in Japan, including the DTI. Attempted to post some photos over the weekend, but for whatever reason I could not log on while in Japan. I will post some photos in a day or two. I was able to post a few on FB, in any of you follow those groups.

Last year there were several other gun shows in the city the same weekend. If you plan to attend I would check the dates of other venues to see while there.

Couple of things: When taking photos use a darker background. Using a white background "tricks" the camera into adjusting the balance to the White opposed to the subject. This results in the subject being too dark (see your photos). Notice how the one photo shot with the wooden table in the background gave a much better photo of the sword. For lighting, try shooting near a bright window using the indirect bright light. Using a flash, incorrect placement or angles of overhead lighting causes washout. Second in regards to displaying your sword. In it's current condition displaying it as you have it is not going to hurt it. If you were to have it polished at some point, then a better care would be called for. For now, use a soft cloth or unscented tissues and wipe it down with denatured alcohol, then lightly oil it. A light machine oil such as 3-n-1 or sewing machine oil will work fine. Inevitably someone will correct me and tell you to only use microfiber cloths for cleaning and oiling and to only use traditional clove oil. Again, if your sword was in new polish or even in older but good polish, then I would give the same advise. Until you have it polished, my recommendations will work fine. Using a genuine Togishi (sword polisher) is paramount. If you can't afford it, save up until you can, period. Keep in mind that when you polish it you will need a new shirasaya to house it in. You spoke of devaluing the sword. Having it polished by some half-assed polisher will devalue it faster than any other single thing.

Most of the better stuff has been sold privately or at shows. He and his son have been attending shows for the last few years, off loading as much as possible. Though, he has barely put a dent in it, he literally has a warehouse full of stuff. I know several big buyers/collectors who have gone to Austin for private buys.

No and No.

Yes, and the auction houses thrive on that mentality. There was an unpapered octopus themed tsuba being auctioned at Christies 10-20 years ago. It was a very nice tsuba and I was watching it. At the time it was worth around 3-5K. It sold for some exorbitant amount like 90K (I don't remember the exact amount). It was not worth anywhere near that and the result was the mere result of two guys with deep pockets in a pissing contest. The Christies folks were dancing a jig backstage.

https://page.auction.../auction/g1107835756

Yes, I have seen few if any outside the parameters you mentioned.

Ok, I was going to say with a better photo of the area circled it could be determined whether it is a katana or wakizashi.

Here is one you will like. Cormorant fisherman, fishing under the moon and with a torch. Great detail, note the cormorant tossing the fish into the air before swallowing it.

Found a couple of additional moon themed tsuba. This one by Kuniharu with a moon barely peeking over the horizon. .

Similar to the Buddhist thoughts on Chawan. This is an excerpt from "The Wind And The Pines". "They are perfect in that, grasped in the light of wisdom-compassion just as they are, they are taken out of time and transcend all the petty judgments and ambitions that fill our lives. They are also imperfect in that they participate in our existence and we in theirs, and therefore, they are subject to all the flaws and infirmities of our lives. By this measure, those objects are most treasured that awaken one to this dual nature of one's existence, that draw one beyond oneself into a world of love that is no-self, and that work, as embodiments and instances of Buddha's compassion, to save one just as one is."

Fujishima was a school, not a smith. There were many Fujishima smiths. Those papers say it is mumei and attributed to the Fujishima school.

No problems with Robert. He is 110% honest and reliable. He will go above and beyond to make you happy.

Pm sent.

Kato Kanefusa, real name Kato Koichi, also known as 23rd generation Kanefusa as well as Fujiwara Kanefusa. He was trained by Kato Yosinosuke Jumyo. Kanefusa was rated as a 1 million yen smith. He made medium to high grade Showato and medium to high grade Gendaito as in this example. He won 1st seat at the 1941 exhibition. Kanefusa is listed in the Toko Taikan (TK-126), Hawleys (KAN-799, 747, 801), Nihonto Meikan (NMK-179), and Sesko’s, Sword Smiths of Japan pg 200 (see below). His work can be seen in Slough’s, Modern Japanese Sword Smiths pg 39

He is referring to the torokusho or license required for possession in Japan. Torokusho are NOT papers. They relate whatever is inscribed on the blade with no regard for legitimacy. They are only for identification of the sword as is. Papers are kanteisho issued by the NBTHK or NTHK, etc., for authentication. They are the worlds best scholars, but do remember they are opinions only. One group may disagree with another's opinion.

I have a few of these, from simple to elaborate. This is a fine Umetada presentation piece in the shape of Inome with a shishi carved in sukashi inside.

Living along the Mississippi flyway I can tell you the geese do fly at night, seen it many times. Perhaps more on a moonlit night, but I have heard them overhead when I could not see them. I don't think navigating is more difficult for them in dark than daylight. It has more to do with some innate knowledge they are born with and perhaps the magnetic poles than day/night. Though many are, not all moon scenes are combined with clouds. See the Ariyoshi I posted, moon no clouds. I have several more "moon" Tsuba / Tosogu. Digging them out is the issue. Here is one more.

If you decide to venture outside Europe, shoot me an email, I may have something which will work. I wouldn't worry too much about customs and red tape. With low budget items like that and using the correct tariff code should make such a transaction effortless.