myochin

Dear Robert, This is a very interesting kabuto-menpô set that was designed, as mentioned already, by Noguchi Zesai. The mask features the peg (otayori) under the lower lip, sparse (pointed) teeth, yadome, the nagashi no ana is probably round, and there is most certainly a cushion on the inside part of the chin. The helmet has shinodare, soft-matal shiten-no-byô of otayori shape, attachments for wakidate, there is probably red felt under the mabizashi (visor). As Joe mentioned just above, the most recent publication on the subject is written by Mr Robert Burawoy. But please note that there is now a much more recent (2017), corrected and updated version of his book with full colour pictures available here: http://www.deboccard.com/fr/category/15262-Produit-9782913217379.html (you can e-mail them as they understand English info@deboccard.com) Congratulations on your find ! Paul

This is what came to my mind, its only a suggestion

This is most probably a 'purse'. The tray can hold rectangular-shaped coins that the swordsman could carry around with him.

Piers, I believe that that is done to adapt the tsuba to a new saya with a different (bigger) sized fuchi. Paul

Isn't the comparison tsuba the same as #3 ?

Many thanks Curran for sharing your experience. I am sure that this site will have great success Paul

Very interesting thread, thank you. For more information on Mitsunaka see: Token Bijutsu n°633, mainly tsuba n°15 to 18 Markus did a translation for the NBTHK members. Thanks Guido for the note on the alternate reading of 光中 as Shigeo does not mention this. Paul

Most sômen are made from 2 or 3 parts that are attached either by pins and/or hinges. Fukutake for example rivetted the nose as it was too complicated to mahe a detachable nose. As for the lacquer, in the pictures (for me at least), it seems too flashy. On most Edo period items the lacquer is slightly duller from age Paul

This sômen seems to ring a bell, but I just can't remember where I saw it (maybe an auction). Anyway, I am surprised to see that all 3 parts are rivetted together, and that the Inside red lacquer seems a little "fresh". I had first thought Fukutake, but the overall 'happy' expression is not his style. Its a nice mask. Paul

Thanks Michael, this is probably the reason why I am offset by a year cheers Paul

Hello, Thank you for posting the results (and the translation) I am a little confused by the dates of the sessions. I see on the NBTHK web site that session 63 was in 2018 Session 65 in 2019 So when was session 64 ? (February 2019 ?) Many thanks for any help Paul

I Wonder if it reads: Haruta Tokimune / Tatsumune 春田 辰致 18th century Paul

Thanks Pete. As you mentioned, Sanmei state that there is an English translation available but maybe they are no longer up to date. Anyway, it is kind of fun translating the kanji, a great learning curve, but it can be tricky and sloooow, lol All the best Paul

Hello, In the past Zentosho used to provide an English translation of the exhibits in their DTI catalogue. This year, as last year, I just can't seem to find any translation available anywhere (though I may be a little early in my search). Has anybody heard if there will be a translation ? and if there was one last year ? Many thanks Paul

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Paper Mumei (Ko-Shôami school) Length : 7.90 cm x 7.55 cm Thickness of rim: 0.63 cm Jidai: Late Muromachi period (1336 – 1573), late 16th century. On the Nade-kaku shaped iron Tsuba (variant of a square-shaped [kaku-gata] tsuba as the four corners are rounded), a snow pattern is engraved in openwork. Mimi is Nawame style (twisted rope). This Jitetsu is a very beautiful black colour

I fell upon a lacquered tonkotsu with a beetle by Zeshin today: https://rutherston.com/stock-portfolio/lacquer-tonkotsu/?portfolioCats=155 Very nice also Paul

I have bought many book from Michael, but not in a long time. Always excellent service. I am not sure if he is still in business. You will notice that his web site was last updated in February 2017 Paul

Here is the link to the standard edition of the book: https://sylwiamakris.com/shop/books/samurai-armour-art-standard-edtion Paul

Nice writeup, thanks Kyle !

No problem Kyle, looking forward to reading your write up. Paul

Here is info taken from the Haynes Auction Catalogue #7 Paul Torigoe - Art Names.pdf

Here you go... :-) 01.pdf 02.pdf

I had the chance to meet up with Bob Haynes on Saturday. It was a great experience to discuss and handle tsuba with a very knowledgeable and modest person, a true gentleman. Paul

Hi Nic, As a reference, there is a 16-plate akoda-nari signed Munetsugu 宗次 in the Shôgyô-ji (正行寺) in Matsumoto (松本) in Nagano Prefecture dating to the late Muromachi period Illustration n°26 in: Nihon no Katchû - Buki Bugu no Sekai 日本の甲冑・武器武具の世界～武家の装いを支えたモノづくりの伝統 3 February - 18 March 2018 Paul

Pete is correct. This is what was mentioned in a KTK e-mail dated 24 November 2018: THE 2020 KTK CONVENTION The tentative location for the 2020 KTK CONVENTION will be in GERMANY with support of new KTK members from Germany But it was only a suggestion.... Paul