paulb

some beautiful pieces on this site. congratulations on a fantastic collection.

Going through Michael's detailed quote of Uk law I think the most notable point is: "Once a foreign word has become generic in the relevant trade (by customers or traders) it will be regarded as purely descriptive and so not be registrable. For example, even if these terms might have been registrable in the past, "PANINI" is now widely recognised as the Italian word for sandwiches, and "BAGUETTE" is similarly understood to refer to French stick loaves of bread, so neither would be registrable now." Nihonto is without question a generic term and therefore should not be registerable in UK law if I understand the point correctly. The same argument applies to katana. This would seem common sense and I admit to being very surprised that this application has got as far as it has. Obviously copyright and patent laws in Sweden must be very different to those in the UK. As to Martin's motives and intentions only he can tell us. Unfortunately if he chooses not to then people will draw their own conclusions and in such cases these are rarely positive. Regardless of motive this has huge potential to backfire on the originator and it would be prudent to reconsider before taking this any further.

Hi Jean The Beatrix theatre is part of the same complex. It is in the exhibition center. If there is any doubt I will stand at the doorway with a large sign pointing the way!!!

It would have been great to see you there. You could have had a closer look at the Aoe blade which caused you to question my parentage nearly 10 years ago I will let you know how it goes and hope to see you in Japan in the not too distant future! Best Regards Paul

thanks for posting Franco I love the shape of this blade. I dont know why but the deep sori in the nakago in blades of this period really add something special to the overal look. I'd love to see this in hand.

I think that is an excellent idea. I have been previously frustrated to attend events only to find that long term NMB friends have also been there but we didnt meet! With regard to the show I have just posted the following update on the token of GB facebook page: Although the lists on the website give an indication of what will be on show it is far from complete. On the last count there will be approximately 120 iron tsuba all of which are regarded as important examples of their type, more than 50 other tsuba and fittings, 15 to 20 swords as previously described and a number of original and certified full koshirae. I believe collectors from our various societies have been extremely generous in enabling these to be shared, I think it will be an exceptional display I don't believe such a comprehensive range of high quality iron tsuba will have ever been seen in one place in Europe before. Likewise the number of koshirae and other fittings will be exceptional. As we are putting this together I find myself wishing the exhibition would be together for several months rather than a single day (perhaps that is the next project!!!)

Dear All, Samurai Art expo is fast approaching and as said previously I believe it promises to be an exceptional event. However I admit to being a little confused at present. To date in any discussion I have had relating to the event people have confirmed that they are attending, that they have organized flights, hotels etc, but to date few of those who have said they are attending have actually purchased tickets. I would like to make the following points: • Whether you are intending to be there for the whole show or a single day the most cost effective and simplest way to buy tickets is online from the Samurai Art expo website prior to the event. www.samuraiartexpo.com • Not only will this save you money and speed up your access it will help the organisers assess the likely level of attendance and ensure all necessary logistical issues are covered. • For many years members of various European societies have looked with envy at the events which take place in the USA and Japan and wanted to do something similar here. This event is the first to be held in Europe for many years and is an opportunity to create a foundation for further annual shows in the future. As I have said in previous posts this event offers collectors and students an opportunity the like of which has not been seen in Europe for many years. If we want such events in the future we need to support this one and prove to those making the effort and financial commitment to organize and attend with their collections, knowledge and enthusiasm it is worthwhile. If you are planning to attend and have yet to buy your tickets can I urge you to do so. Best Regards

With thirty days to go before the start of Samurai Art expo I wanted to update you on progress. Although we are still adding to the exhibition which will run alongside the educational programme it is already becoming very impressive. Amongst the 15+ swords on show there will be: There are currently 11 long swords confirmed including Fukuoka Ichimonji, ko and Chu Aoe pieces with examples of, Yamashiro, Soshu and Mino work as well. All are of exceptional quality and in excellent condition As well as the koto blades there are some beautiful examples of Shinto workmanship including Kunehiro, Terukane, Masahiro and Hisamichi Alongside the blades on display there will be an exceptional range of tsuba and koshirae. This will include some of the finest iron tsuba that can be seen outside of Japan (actually you would struggle to see work of this quality in Japan as well). Many are examples published in top reference books. In addition there will be a number of Juyo certified koshirae including a beautiful Tensho work last seen in the Solingen exhibition and the Ishiguru koshirae that accompanies the Tokubetsu Juyo Yoshimune. In case it wasn’t already apparent I am becoming extremely excited about this show. If you consider that in addition to the above there is a 3 day commercial event with dealers from Japan, Europe and North America in attendance selling a wide range of authenticated Samurai arms armour and associated art and a full day of presentations and discussion in the education hall this is an event not to be missed. In 2002 I didn’t go to the Solingen event and have regretted that missed opportunity for the past 16 years. If you haven’t made up your mind to attend then can I strongly recommend you join us for what I am sure will be an unforgettable experience for anyone with an interest in the art and culture of the Samurai. For more details and to buy tickets please visit: www.samuraiart expo.com I look forward to meeting members of the NMB at the show.

Hi Bob I think the only disagreement is in the use of the word fickle. To me rightly or wrongly it suggests unreliable, inconsistent or without order. What I was trying to suggest is that there is some reasoning and logic behind how it is done even though the methodology does introduce an element of luck with regard to timing of submission. Jeremiah the 200K was a number off the top of my head but I don't think it is an exaggeration, in fact if it is right there is no reason for it not to go higher. As Ray says art knows no boundaries and if you think that this represents the equivalent of a Rembrandt, Vermeer or Van Gogh of the sword world and is actually much rarer than works by these masters, then 200k is actually quite a bargain!! (still beyond the range of us mere mortals though )

I don't think the Juyo process is fickle. However the likelihood of something passing is effected by the number of works by the same smith/school submitted to a given shinsa. So if you are submitting a Hizen Tadayoshi blade it is quite possible there will be several others and one or more may be a better example than the one you submit. As a result they will pass yours won't. In the case of a Yukimitsu they are so highly regarded (justifiably) I think if this is authentic it would almost certainly pass. The other point to remember is that many if not all tanto of this period were of single piece construction so there is no core steel to show through when the blade is polished. Some years ago there was blade posted here that was so polished down on one side that it looked off-set to the nakago but it was still perfectly healthy with no sign of shintetsu. I would guess that would be true of this blade too. So all in all not such a great risk for polish or if right getting through high level shinsa. Having said all that someone still had to have the confidence and the funds to risk 50K+. If they are right they have made a great buy if not they stand the chance of loosing 70 or 80% of their investment.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful blades I have ever had the privilege to hold and examine was a Tokubestsu Juyo tanto attributed to Yukimitsu. It was suriage with a shumei. It came from the Compton collection with a juyo certificate and the later owner submitted to tokuju and it passed. I have often said if the owner had offered it to me in exchange for my entire collection I would have been very tempted to say yes!. I think when it sold at the Compton sale it made around $120k. After re-papering I am guessing it would have a value nearer $200K or maybe even more. This one has a mei. If it is right and polishes it will prove to be one of the best bargains bought online. Someone (more than one) obviously thought it right and restorable.

As Brian says this is going in circles. What started with Ken pointing out the improvement in Chinese fakes being sold has expanded in to a debate about ebay, papering and the nature of collecting. Before it arrives at the inevitable locking that it seems to be rapidly heading to I would like to pick up on a couple of points Michael- You mention your collection consists of one Juyo sword and books. Congratulations! It took me very many years to finally accept the "fewer is better" approach you have gone straight to it and saved yourselves years of frustration and heart ache. While I fully appreciate the "One sword can be a collection" philosophy mentioned by Guido I cant quite buy in to it. I have very few swords now but could I exchange these for just one? I honestly don't know. I guess for the right sword yes but I doubt it will ever be put to the test. Luis your views about buying on eBay are far from unique. The reality is we are all grown ups (at least physically) and have to decide what is right for us and how we choose to collect. If you get a buzz from treasure hunting on EBay then go ahead. The problem comes when someone with little understanding buys something seeks an opinion here and when they don't hear what they want to hear either give up or decide to shoot the messenger. If you take risk buying something from an unreliable or at least unproven source then be prepared to live with the consequences if it goes wrong. You can debate about the nature of collecting, the right way and wrong way and what makes a true collection for ever and a day and never reach agreement. You follow the path that suits you. But that doesn't make every other way wrong. With regard to this sword papering I think that opens a whole new can of worms and remembering the amount of bad feeling generated when the NTHK originally split in to two and the criticism levelled at the NBTHK by some of these factions about inconsistency and even corruption I hope we do not see this spark another round of acrimony which will do neither party any credit. Someone made a mistake, it happens and in the environment of this type of event it can be seen how that might happen .The important thing is to recognise it and take whatever steps you can to ensure it isn't repeated.

Hi Mark attached an image of Awataguchi nashiji hada to help in your research

Hi Mark Not sure you are going to be able to tie it down too tightly in the current polish. All those you mentioned are forms of ko-itame and to differentiate more clearly you would need to see the amount and distribution of ji-nie. However some other things to think about. Although you cant see the hada very clearly you can see the hamon. taking that in to consideration might help you narrow down your search. nashiji is used almost exclusively to describe the hada produced by the Awataguchi school they also worked mainly in suguha and the hamon on this certainly doesn't match examples of their work. likewise Konuka= Hizen. does the hamon on this look like any Hizen example you have seen? personally it doesn't but I don't pretend to have seen all variations of Hizen work. I think if I was trying to tie it down I would focus more on the hamon and then work backwards towards trying to define the hada. best regards Paul

Markus Sesko kantei volumes would be my choice

errr Michael check the results pages of the NBTHK kantei before making assumptions about those who post here. Having said that I agree with you Ebay is not the place to find treasures or at least rarely and with a lot of luck. there are far more fakes than genuine works. working with a reputable dealer is a far safer bet

DearAll we have just posted additional information regarding what will be on show at the exhibition on Saturday 16th June. Rather than take up space on the board please follow the link below to the Token Society of Great Britain website where the latest additions have been listed and illustrated. The pieces listed to date are by no means definitive and further beautiful pieces will be confirmed over the next couple of weeks. We are expecting to show examples from each period and major traditions. Hope to see you there! https://samuraiartexpo.com/blog/ http://to-ken.uk/onewebmedia/Additional%20exhibits%20at%20Samurai%20Art%20Expo.pdf edited to add Samurai Art expo site for more information

I have both plus the original translation. I don't think you are missing anything although the illustrations in the original somehow look better (Maybe sentimentality rather than fact!)

On the samurai art expo website later this week I hope to post an updated and illustrated list of some of the pieces on display . While still not comprehensive it will give more detail of some of the beautiful pieces on show. At the last count the exhibition will include 2 or 3 Tokubestu Juyo swords, 6 Juyo blades alongside many other important pieces. We hope to have good examples from all sword periods on show. There will also be a number of Juyo koshirae and individual fittings. I think this will be a truly memorable display. Make sure you take the opportunity to see it! details can be seen on: www.samuraiartexpo.com

site seems to be down I am guessing start up issues in their new premises

Also go with a European cavalry sabre. it looks to be loosely based on the English 1796 pattern which was much copied (and modified) by various European states during the 1st quarter of the 19th century. I have never seen a Japanese blade in this style of mount.

Ian I agree about looking at things you have had for a long time with new eyes. It is amazing how different they look after you have had the chance to learn more over the intervening years. You should always think very hard about letting something go and that the reasons justify the loss. Sometimes we get it wrong. I bought back one of the 20 I sold as soon as I could and there is one other I would dearly love to see again but overall I think trying to improve the quality of a collection and to the ability to learn more is the right thing to do (at least for me)

Jeremiah I have a lot of sympathy with your predicament. The problem is usually the emotional attachment one places on objects. This relates not only to the item but also the events and actions that led up to it's acquisition and the pleasure you get from studying it. The problem comes when you accumulate rather than collect. I have said often before that I sold of the majority of my original collection to consolidate in to a few better pieces. Taking the decision to lose 20+ swords and as many fittings which had been collected over a lot of years was tough but the only way I could improve the quality of what I was studying. The reality was that I was regularly looking at maybe 5-10% of what was there, the rest was in maintenance mode being checked a couple of times a year. A number of well respected collectors I know work on the basis of buying the best example they can find and keeping it until a better example turns up (which it always does). This seems a little cold hearted but it means the collection continues to evolve and the opportunity to study continues. I also hope that when I move things on they go to someone who will enjoy and cherish them as much as I have. SO far I think I have been lucky and that has been the case but of course its something you cant be sure of. For what it is worth having taken the decision to let something go I have never (well rarely) regretted it.

Dear Jean I suggest you contact the organisers via their website and check with them. They will have the most up to date view on this. In all discussions to date this has not been considered a major issue (actually not an issue at all) but I agree we need to be aware of any local requirements. I will also be transporting swords to the event and will be carrying them in a secure bag that prevents immediate access as required by UK law. I have drafted a letter from the organisers and the Token Society confirming the reason why someone is carrying a sword to the event which might also be of help. If you let me have your email address via pm I forward it to you. best regards Paul

Hi Jean There were some admin issues which delayed sales. Ticketing is now up and running on the website so please have another go. If you have any problems pm me and I will follow up for you Best Regards Paul