O koumori

Barry, The new member is Joanne. I've been here a while...

Welcome! There are many knowledgeable and helpful folks here, and much to learn. Have fun!

Peter, Perhaps once one stops acquiring swords? I think that the retention of the existing collection wouldn't necessarily mean that you'd still be a 'collector.' That said, I doubt that the social involvement or research aspects of the hobby (disorder?) actually ever go away.

Sure, I;kk bring it. Dan K

Thanks Jan! Dan K

Hi, I could use some help with this 4 character mei, (?) ju Nori (?) Thank you! Dan K.

The sword you posted a picture of was mine. Unfortunately it was sold during the show. PM me. Dan K.

Mark, Thanks for your time and hard work to make the show a success! It was a fine show. Dan K.

Chris, Thanks for your kind words! It was indeed a great show. Hats off to Mark for a job well done! Dan K.

Hi Jon, The nakago looks suspicious to me, like it's been in a fire. Perhaps I'm wrong. Dan K.

A couple more pics - I'm not great at photography. There is some utsuri but it is difficult to capture.

Samurai Splendor: Sword Fittings from Edo Japan | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org) Dan K

Stephen, Interesting chart! What's the source? Thanks Dan K

This one is handcrafted from Cedar. It will be up for sale at the Chicago show. Dan K

Ken, Yes, I understand that - My point was that yakidashi would provide further evidence to support an Osaka-produced blade, if the boshi was indeed "Osaka." Thanks, Dan

Thanks Ray! I thought it might be 'Osaka Boshi,' but does not have yakidashi... Dan

I've not seen a boshi like this before; much of the kissaki is hardened. What would you call it? Please pardon the lighting; I drew in what I think I'm seeing. It is slightly different on either side. The hamon is chogi-midare. Thanks, Dan K

I had one like this once. It was mounted with a somewhat thin tsuba and no sepa. At the time, someone theorized that the tsuba had been changed, and the previous one was of a different thickness, necessitating moving the mekugi hole. I was never able to prove or disprove this theory... Dan K

Thank you gentlemen! Dan K

Agreed, not Kamakura - the questions is, is this a gimei, or an 'unlisted' later smith (at least not in the reference materials available to me)? Thanks for the replies, Dan K

I have an ubu wakizashi signed Bungo no kuni ju Yukizane 豊後国住行真. The nagasa is 53.3 cm. The blade is shinogi-zukuri, and it exhibits a rather pronounced koshi-zori sori (did I stutter?) of 2.0 cm. When I purchased this blade years ago, I bought it for the interesting sori and the O-itame hada which is clearly visible (a great study piece). Unfortunately, I cannot find an oshigata for signature comparison. The only mei I can find that comes close to this is a listing in Markus Sesko’s Swordsmiths of Japan, where he lists one that reads “Bungo no Kuni Yukizane saku.” Now the conundrum: When I bought the blade, despite my skepticism, the Japanese seller claimed that the blade was made during the Kamakura period. The Yukizane smith listed by Markus worked during Antei, 1247 – 1249. I have NEVER seen nor heard of an ubu Kamakura wakizashi. So, gimei? Thoughts? Anyone have a signed blade for comparison? Thanks, Dan K

Chris, it doesn't have a square mekugi ana, just multiple overlapping punched ones. (Musashi Chikashige, founder of Shitahara school)

Could you post a closeup picture of this? Thanks Dan K

Grey, Good luck with the house. Sorry this had to happen. See you at the Chicago show? Dan K

David, Not sure where you are located in the US - Are you planning on attending the Chicago show in April? I am the current custodian of this tachi: https://nihontoart.com/shop/tachi-signed-akikuni/, and could bring it to the show for you to examine if you are interested. While not Nanbokucho, it is from the Oie period (1394 to 1429), Tokubetsu Hozon, 74.9 cm, and Edo koshirae. (My apologies to Nick for referencing his excellent website photos; my photography skills are decidedly lacking!) Dan K.