Dr Fox

Brian Would it not be an idea, to re-post your very strong initial post, on the eBay Buyer/Seller forum? Also check the forum, to see if there are any strong feelings already posted! And should it be needed I would add comments, as would others.

Thanks for the walk through Brian. On close examination its a license to print money, even in their 'things to know', they list all sorts of extras which you have already signed up to, but won't know about until you see your payment. You're pretty savvy and if you've been caught, people like me would be sitting ducks. Does a seller opt for this service, or is it tagged to the sale like it or not? The only plus point I think is that it is a visible service offered, so can be avoided by those in the know. Cheers Denis.

I wonder if it’s an age thing, or a generation jump, or even a culture difference. But apart from the attractive young ladies, this went completely over my head. Despite my best efforts, I could not relate to this subject on any level. Just a little annoyed, that if the majority found this enjoyable, I am completely out of step. So one or more of the first paragraph applies, none of which has a quick fix.

Tony It may be that indoors, your camera senses a need for fill in light, i.e. flash. Outside that need may not present itself, give it a go. Regards

Thanks Guido Thinking along the lines of theme and also availability of the hardware: Several Chinese folk tales center around the clash between the phoenix and the dragon. However, they're also depicted as partners. It is often shown in a paulownia tree (Chinese parasol tree, Jp. = Aogiri 梧桐), with bamboo in the background, or surrounded by Chinese arabesque foliage (Jp. = Karakusa 唐草). Unless the ho-o bird is included on every piece, my thoughts were as above.

Tony if I may. Don't use flash against glass, reflections will happen. Try natural light falling on subject. Polarising filters will remove glass and see thro it. Regards

Hi Guido As to themed fittings. I have an Echizen blade circa 1600s in koshirae, it to me has never looked right. My plan was to theme as follows: The tsuka is a well-wrapped item and no plans to redo there. The kashira is black horn, menuki are Ho-o birds in gold and black, both these items to stay. Theme. Menuki. Ho-o bird Fuchi. Pawlina and, or bamboo Tsuba. Dragon (Echizen Kinai) Am I far off here?

Grey Many thanks for your link, I would recommend to any with an interest in tsukamaki to read there. It went right to the core of my enquiry, and yes there is a skill level in the West that will stand comparison. Going to my OP and the answers are: Experience (29yrs plus in this case), specialization in the one subject, and appreciation of the tsuka looking ‘right’. This is a quote from the first paragraph of David McDonalds homepage. “But we sometimes forget that it is the hilt wrapper who completes the sword. Tsukamaki is the art of wrapping a silk braid (tsukaito or simply ito) around the hilt of the Japanese sword. And it is this task that completes the creation of the art of the Japanese sword.”

Gentlemen I think it not unreasonable to apologise when one is wrong! The following submission I made on a recent post here, in view of this topic I concede I was wrong. I apologise! [i understand where you are, but to be fair, you or I, or any others with the knowledge we have, would not do as seen here. But we really are in a minority, when it comes to seeing art where others see an old sword! Damage and misuse is usually down to ignorance: shameful but as George said "it happens".]

Nice comparison Alex.

Welcome to you David from Wales. I encourage you to rejoin the Token, Mr Clive Sinclair has been of great help to me and always ready to assist.

Not wanting to be unkind to others efforts (especially on things I cant do myself) but having viewed several sites, where modern interpretations of the katana have been presented, one thing always seems to jump out. Although the attention to detail in the blade is addressed as best as can be achieved, I feel the form and wrap of the tsuka just does not get there. I appreciate the skill shown, by Japanese craftsmen in this area. Taking my own swords as examples, the form and grace in the tsuka, the precise size and placement of the diamonds, with the whole unit coming together and just looking right. As being one of the first points of judgement, when sighting a sword this often shouts not right, and further observations are then coloured by that impression. How many craftsmen do we have, that can achieve this art form, to a comparative Japanese level?

Excuse me gentlemen, I am ducking out of this one, its going places I don't want to go. Cheers.

Further to my previous, checking in a Fuller and Gregory, there is an example at page 34, plate 37. And what looks to be another at page 105, plate112 (4th sword in). Also is it not normal, that the press studs on the combat cover, face out when the sword is worn?

I would think that sword could have been something special. It appears to have its original saya, with the combat cover tailored to expose the kurigata. Was this unusual?

A death badge! Skull perhaps?

Jacques As 'a man of few words' you are among the best. I salute you.

An honest and practical view of the item Stephen, and very probably the aim of the original modifier of the blade. It stands to go some way to explain " Why would someone do that?"

Hi Mick Have you tried using just daylight for your photo 'light'. I have often used a window sill, or even a table outside. It avoids flash bounce.

Jean I understand where you are, but to be fair, you or I, or any others with the knowledge we have, would not do as seen here. But we really are in a minority, when it comes to seeing art where others see an old sword! Damage and misuse is usually down to ignorance: shameful but as George said "it happens".

Swords were at one time never regarded as 'art' objects, but practical weapons, when no longer practical, their original form and function was destroyed to full fill another purpose. This was done on a national scale by the Japanese, tachi to katana, katana to wakizashi. Thousands of swords lost their mei, and their provenance. Why did they do that? Again a conversion of use from impractical to practical. So in comparison, I don't feel my sensitivities are saddened, by the sight of modified items seen around today. Denis.

I am delighted to re visit this topic with great news. After thinking my line of enquiry was falling on stoney ground, I put my points to Grey, and he immediately responded in a very positive way. His consideration is, that he now includes in his sale descriptions of Tsuba the nakago hitsu ana measurements. I would like to here thank Grey, from myself and others who are not collectors. And I will endeavour to favour his site for future purchases. Denis.

I recently posted a blade, that had suffered to death through water exposure. Travelling back towards the nakago better steel is evident. To the unsympathetic, this with a bench grinder can be converted to an utility knife, and so it lives on. The same could apply to a blade that was broken. The practice of converting good steel into utility items, is not new and goes way back, especially in the case of knives. The value of carry knives, is the subject of a very active thread on the board at the moment. The only small saving grace, is that this bowie type conversion, has saved a mei (if its real) for either study or comparison. Denis.

Hi Hamfish. I think its fair to say your photos show only the koshirae, not "a rare sword", if the blade is of no value to the sale so be it! Any value you hope for, will be for the 'fittings' only. Denis.

Hi Jacques Trying to clarify for myself the point you are making to George. The thread is, drawing a long sword carried blade up at the waist! You have indicated your video, and I thought it was to show the draw of the Katana. If this is the case this is where I am confused. The sword drawn does not look to me to have a nagasa of 82.5cms, therefor, how does this show the technique of drawing a blade, of excessive length? You seem so firm on this point, please put me right. Denis.