CurtisR

I've been eye-ing this Tsuba and really enjoy the wood pattern....am wondeirng thouse if the signature if forged, and find it suspicious that the grain patter goes all the way to the edge of the piece (Seppadia?). Thoughts are appreciated! Curt R.

Thank you Martin - your post leads me to believe what I read was correct, although the DOUBLE bo-hi hadn't occurred to me. Makes perfect sense! Also, I can only attest to 18 stitches with a no-hi kissaki in the forearm during a poorly executed Noto. At the time, it didn't seem to 'suck' anything...just cut . It was certainly a learning experience. Best, Curt R.

James, I agree with the bow - to show respect to the maker, and to the weapon and to it's connection to you. I'm a practitioner of MJER Iai and it's considered very rude NOT to bow to your own sword, even when cleaning it or showing it to another. This is just how my Sensei taught me and so others may think differently, but I believe handling a sword should be a serious thing. ^5. Best, Curt R.

Although I have admittedly limited knowledge (always learning though) I read an article that described bo hi as being similar to an "I" beam ...it is strong, yet lightens the blade, even when encountering heavy resistance such as bone, etc.. My $.02 cents worth, but it made good sense to me. Curt R.

Thanks David - I'm really looking forward to the show in Tampa...the Denver area is not a mecca of sword enthusiasts, although there are a few. It will be very interesting to say the least! Your Tsuba is beautiful - the patina and 'roughness' of the work combined with the obvious skill in the design gives it a 'strength', for lack of a better term. Both artful and functional. as I study, I'm beginning to see the differences, and really do appreciate everyone's help and advice to become better. I've also bought a couple of books . Sincere Regards, Curt R.

Thank you all for the great information...I just bought my tickets to the the sword show in Tampa next Feb., & am very much looking forward to absorbing the knowledge and becoming more refined in my collecting. Domo Arigato! Curt R. Aurora, CO

Thank you for your opinion.thoughts Henry...I plan on attending the sword show in Tampa in Feb. and am wondering if it might be worth sending to Shinsa? I know it's in pretty rough shape, but after a little research it does seem to fit (possibly) Ko-Shoami? I also don't wish to send anything that will be a waste of time :D , so any thoughts would be helpful. The initial expense was quite reasonable, BTW. Thanks in advance to all ~ Curt R.

I recently bought this Wakizashi Tsuba and am wondering if anyone would have an idea as to age or possible maker? The tsuba measures 6cm x 5.3cm and approx. 3cm thickness. Not a spectacular example of course, but seems to have a nice construction and simple, clean design. Regards, Curt R.

Thank you Brian and Malcolm - I am learning to resist the temptations (and have learned a lot here so far, which helps the resistance) The tabaco clasp theory makes very good sense...it was at a very decent price, and as was such a nice design I thought I'd venture into it, even suspecting it was'nt Menuki. One thing I did NOT know was that a single menukis isvery seldom worth buying, so will carry that forward. Time to start saving for that set of Goto Menuki now though! Many thanks for your thoughts, again. Best Regards, Curt R.

By the way...my guess would be Post WWII as to age, but any thoughts are appreciated. Curt R.

Hello to all you fine Tosugo experts, I have recently purchased the attached for a (IMO) very reasonable price. I primarily bought it because it was unusual and I like the design. Workmanship seems decent. Measurements are approx. 1 1/4" x 3". and it appears to be mixed-metal. I understand it's not as thick in structure as other Menuki, and am wondering if it even IS a Menuki, or perhaps some other type of adornment? The raised streamers on the nose hint that it's not, but strange things have happened, yes? I also have no positive info. on age but am guessing post WWII due to the thinness of the metal used. I don't get my feeling shirt easily and bought it on a whim, so please feel free to guess away . Regards, Curt R.

Thank you Morita san - very interesting to know, and also the history of influence since the 1600's. As I was going through the books I was wondering how many pieces or art, etc. have been destroyed since that time by either the War, or from the Tsunami, etc. Just makes one think.... Regards, Curtis R.

Apologies! I just realized the web album wouldn't advance to the text, etc. ; here's a link to the album itself. https://picasaweb.google.com/109268973090461685955/InternationalGraphicBook2?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMSs_-TT57Hobw&feat=directlink Best, Curt R.

Greetings all, I posted a couple of weeks back about the antique books I have titled "International Graphic"...they have a variety of images and prints, and this one I thought you Tosogu enthusiasts may enjoy. Sadly, I don't read Japanese so am not sure what it says about the Tsuba, but the text is in the photos following this one. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VDTfD-4q9XnnYpC76j27HPEKi_Jx1dUiUcDWhJ9UVy0?feat=directlink There are also many historic figures in the Picasa "Book" that were taken from the books -- Japanese and world history, culture, aviation, Japanese armour and art. Enjoy, and I'd be interested in knowing what is said about the Tsuba if someone cares to post it. Regards, Curt R. Aurora, CO USA

Excellent information Craig, thank you! I will take a look at the sites you mentioned also. I do know that there are many 'fold out' artworks in the books (each volume has about 10 magazines in each) as well as photos of the Emporer, Mussolini, airshps (zephyrs), flapper girls, swords (military and Nihonto)...on & on. I would try here on NMB first, as eBay is the devil , but it all else fails..... I'll try to put together a PDF of the insides as well prior to offering them. Sincere Thanks Craig! Curt R.

Excellent - very helpful Malcom! I have a number of questions about it before I try to find a good auction house for them. This is a great start though, so thank you!' Curt R.

Here is the cover page for the book./magazine...

Forgive me in advance if this doesn't belong here...I cant' think of anywhere else it might fit but if anyone knows an auction house,etc more appropriate then I will gladly move them. You may also find the history and photos of interest, so..... My Grandfather left me two large multi-volumes of the "National Graphic" from I believe the 1920's....numerous photos of the Emperor and his family, Buddhist priests, people using & making weapons, and what appear to be fold-out multi-panel art works by Japanese artists. I read very little Japanese and am hoping someone here can give me a date for them and perhaps comment on whether there might be value at an auction for them? Sincere thanks! Curtis R.

Jean, Thank you! I just found some research sites explaining the difference (which I wasn't aware of) and really appreciate the hint. I'm going to try to absorb as much as possible before the show, and am excited go. I've also developed a source here for swords of different qualities & makers that I can study. As it's been said, it is better to have 'hands-on' experience! Best, Curt R.

Thanks guys - I'm making plans now to attend the Florida show and know it will benefit me more than looking at pics, although Ill keep doing that as I go. I've found some other auction sites that appear to handle nice quality Menuki, some with papers or guarantees to pass Shinsa, etc. so will try to avoid the "ebay devil". I wasn't serious about destroying the lesser works, but it was sounding as if they had NO value to many here, and so to test my theory (that most collectors have a piece or two of lesser quality but which the still like), I though I'd pose the question. I'd have been very worried if any of the wise and experienced members thought this was a good idea. I haven't been on the board long and didn't know how "extreme" the outlook was here on lesser works. I'm pleased to hear that most do have lesser works that they can still enjoy . I'll keep on lurking and learning, and will get to the show in Feb! Sincere Regards, Curt R.

Good enough, thanks Brian! I believe I'll just study for a good while before acquiring more. I still enjoy the persimmon Menuki though; my own outlook is that the lesser pieces can still be enjoyed as well...although (as the facts that have been given show) spending money would probably be better going toward higher quality works. I'm left wondering why people don't just throw the poorer works away (or melt them down) to keep only the cream of the crop in existence? Seems like it would make sense but maybe I'm missing something there, too. Regardless, I'm learning a lot! Curt R.

Thanks to both Mr. Martin & Mr. Tenold as well! Both have excellent points, and I believe I understand what David was trying to get across. I will say that the photographs I've been seeing of older, more skilled work do give me an *idea* of what I should be shooting for in a collection even if I'm not able to see them at a show immediately. Basically, it's a way to look at the items on evilBay with a more skeptical eye before making that bid. I train in MJER Iaido, and believe what Ted is saying is simply that; looking at photos online is like watching Iai videos - one can learn a bit from them, but it's far different to learn from a Sensei in the dojo with hands on a katana and feet on the ground . Just as laying hands on these little works of art is different than reading about them. I've only just started my interest in Tosogu and Nihonto collecting, and I really appreciate the discussion to guide me forward. Thank you all for your help and wisdom. Sincere Regards, Curt R. Aurora, CO USA P.S. The MFA collection is amazing!

Thank you Pete and David...I did some reading on Goto Menuki today and see some distinct difference to say the least. I'm not unhappy with my persimmon purchase and like the subject - I actually like them for the price. I can see however that I'll need to start going to shows as suggested (twist my arm )! And thank you for the link David - looks like an amazing site. Best, Curt R. Aurora, CO USA

Thank you Bob & David! I will absolutely look up the works as suggested...I'm all about learning and very much appreciate the opinions - which, by the way, are worth much more than I paid, IMHO :D ! Total cost was $82.00 (I hope it's not rude to mention this). Any suggestions for sites, books, etc would also be much appreciated if it's not too much trouble. Sincere Regards, Curt R.

Greetings all, I've just received my first purchase of Menuki (on ebay)...I've been doing a lot of lurking here & reading and believe them to be 'real', but wanted to get the opinions of those more knowing than I. The work seems pretty detailed, and no tool-marks can be seen on the reverse. The bodies are copper and the Persimmons either gold plate or foil, from what I can tell. Any thoughts on age, etc. would be much appreciated as would a general idea on whether the pick was decent as related to the quality. Many thanks in advance, Curt R.