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UniqueJapan

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Posts posted by UniqueJapan

  1. Hi Grey,

     

    These were swords that were shipped to the US from Japan. I believe they were charged by the USPS when via a customs charge. We send using EMS from Japan. Seems odd that only a couple clients have had to pay when the vast majority do not. I thought it was a Hawaii thing because the shipment went via Hawaii towards its final destination.

     

    Mistake on behalf of customs, no?

    Pablo

  2. All clear, so it is a VAT issue. Thanks.

     

    If other members know the VAT tax rates in other countries in Europe and around the world that would be most appreciated.

     

    Most of the time our clients don't pay any tax or fees when we ship their swords from Japan to the US, however we have had the odd instance that they were charged. Is that because certain states charge an import tax? Possibly Hawaii? Or was that just a mistake by customs. If it was a mistake, does anyone know if funds can be claimed back?

     

    Thank you,

    Pablo

  3. Hello everyone,

     

    Normally we post mail swords from Japan to the US through EMS, and it works fine. Next month though a client is planning to fly from Narita to JFK business class with a 15th century Japanese sword within his checked luggage. He is Japanese.

     

    We will apply for all exportation paperwork, so that's not an issue. I am just concerned if JFK will hold the sword or demand extra paperwork, etc.

     

    I am hoping to hear from someone who has flown from Japan to the US and can give me some advice prior to flying. Also, any experience in regards to the process of paying duty, etc.

     

    You may respond here or contact me privately at service@uniquejapan.com

     

    Thank you,

    Pablo

  4. Jean, thank you for your posts to this discussion. I also appreciate the rather lively posts amongst members for the Tegai wakizashi that is currently listed on Unique Japan.

     

    The passion for Japanese swords is clearly palatable, and I think that is just terrific.

     

    Although we try our best to take quality photos of the swords listed on Unique Japan, as we all know, the subtle beauty of a sword, unless it is reviewed in person, can never quite be captured. I believe this is especially true for this particular Tegai piece.

     

    It’s clearly a very old beauty when you feel it in hand. As correctly pointed out, (Ko) Tegai ran until the Nanbokucho period, and it is essentially impossible to deduce when exactly it was made as it is most definitely an o-suriage nakago.

     

    Elements that can be most definitely admired are kinsuji, nijuba and the kaen boshi, a feature seen on Tegai swords, is truly brilliant. The blade sparkles under the light. It never looks the same way twice, always finding something new to explore.

     

    This also applies for the fittings, which I must say, carry an understated elegance. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which makes the appreciation of art open to all.

     

    The vast majority of our swords are chosen in person in Japan, and our website generally acts more like a gallery for the majority of clients. I naturally stand very much behind this sword, as any other piece listed online or that we introduce to clients in private and at our shows.

     

    If a client cannot review a sword in person before he or she makes the decision, then I am happy to refund the purchase in full if it doesn’t meet (or exceed) their expectations upon arrival.

     

    Perhaps the greatest takeaway is for us all to continue our insatiable appetite for knowledge in the subject of Japanese swords. At the end of day, the more we know, the less we know, and I think that’s quite humbling.

     

    Pablo

  5. Clive,

     

    Good morning sir. We are in a town called Thorpe Bay in Southend-on-Sea. My wife's family lives close by, which are helpful hands for our young kids at this stage.

     

    I only have a couple swords at the moment here in the UK, I keep all stock in Japan primarily. One 17th century Echizen o-wakizashi and a 19th century Katsukuni katana.

     

    I look forward to meeting you soon, I can easily make it to London most any time if I am in country. Paul Martin encouraged me to contact you, but you beat me to it.

     

    Warm regards,

    Pablo

  6. Hello NMB,

     

    I think the concept Chu Saku is a clever one as a starting point. It's very nice to be part of the Nihonto Message Board.

     

    My name is Pablo Kuntz, and I am the founder of Unique Japan. I am originally from a town not too far from Montreal, Canada. I lived in Japan for close to 20 years and I have just recently moved to the UK with my wife and kids. We are about one hour from London.

     

    I am a big fan of Japan, and especially Nihonto. For me, and I know many of you would agree, there is no greater treasure that encapsulates the spirit of the country.

     

    Nearly all of our cherished clients have either worked, lived or visited Japan, or have family heritage from the country. I think to truly appreciate a Japanese swords, you ideally have experienced life in Japan, and ideally become close to some Japanese people.

     

    Unique Japan is not exclusive to Japanese swords, although that is the driving force. In fact, the main mission for starting the brand in 2006 was to support modern day craftsmen and women carry on the traditions of the country. (If you like cooking for example, we represent Kirin Hamono - a company that started shortly after the Haitorei regulation in 1876, making some seriously sharp, dependable and beautiful kitchen knives.)

     

    I am also a pretty big fan of the Daruma doll, and the power of goal setting. I began a more charitable focused website called We Love Daruma:

    http://www.welovedaruma.com/en/

     

    Offering the best customer service and experience is my (our) primary focus. I travel back to Japan a number of times per year.

     

    To learn more about UJ and perhaps myself, please visit:

    http://new.uniquejapan.com/about/

     

    I look forward to meeting you in person one day. Feel free to get in contact with me at service 'at' uniquejapan.com.

     

    Warm regards,

    Pablo

     

    _________________

    Pablo Kuntz

    Founder, Unique Japan

    http://new.uniquejapan.com

  7. Hello everyone,

     

    I have a very interesting Japanese Parade Sabre that I'd like an expert on if possible.

     

    A similar piece is listed in Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks (Fuller/Gregory) in the back of the book in the Unidentified section. It appears to be rare, but I'd like confirmation.

     

    I believe it to be Army, from what I understand likely used during WW2. Possibly an adaption of an 19th century Army parade sabre but made during WW2? Does the 1 star represent a 1 star general?

     

    It's a beautiful piece, quite elaborate I must say. I'll add as many photos as I can.

     

    Feedback may be posted here or sent to me directly at service@uniquejapan.com. As much detail as possible would be most greatly appreciated.

     

    Arigato,

    Pablo

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