ken kata

Hi Guys.. I did see the other, similar Tsuba., like Stephen said. It was on e-bay... under the link hamfish posted. Motif: Plum tree Material: Copper, Gold Size: 77.9 x 75.8 x 4.2mm Nakago-hole size: 25.1 x 5.4mm Age: Edo period Country of origin : Japan Final bid was only 192.00 .. Kinda low yea? Hey Chris, I kinda agree with you.. The simplicity is part of the beauty. The use of simplicity and space.. ( Form, style and space) > Rinpa School? Alton < Studying the Teachings of Shuichi Kato - Japanese Art Critic

All god post guys. all kinds of "view points" and examples. In a way, this is a good way to learn, with "direct and explanative" post. and, the many ways of thinking about the subject. Books/readings are "condensed". It would distract and go "off course" of the main subject being read. Here, in an informal way, all the different view points and " things you never knew to ask" stuff comes out.'I bet many benefit from these 'bits and pieces of information". So, today, I just received a box, with a "Koto" , Osurage Katana in Koshirae. Still did not open it. Has "Origami" ... So, half way to or. Some of you know what it is .. (Luis, Ken) .. So, " The adventure Continues...." I was going to mention, for me, (and, this is what I wanted ) , you guys are like a Informal , "un sanctioned", self-elected (saying in a nice way), Kantei team. Now, if this Forum was, (and in a way, it is ) Official, or "Highly Recognized" by many. ...... Thank you guys.. Alton < Member- Koto Osuriage Owner's Club

Hey guys, Thanks.. This is why I ask. you guys, put together, can sum up a lot of info/knowledge. Beyond the simple answers that are usually "referenced" in yahoo search "To teach someone nothing, is to teach them everything". - something like that. I am trying to put some order in learning about Nihonto. There is so much to read and "digest", that, the beginning statement becomes true. from these "simple-minded" post I post, there is some "Order Out of Chaos". 1) One fact of Osuriage , is, the Blade was once longer, so, it must have been genuine. as in.. who would make a fake old blade, making that blade longer, then, preform the Osuriage, to make it appear to be an old blade , "with the Natural order of things" ( shorting) applied to it, so, it would not be questioned as a newly made old "Fake" blade.. Alton , again

Hello Guys, Alton , again.. 1) I was looking around for members who use Safariland's Breakfree CLP and/or Collector on their swords. I was searching and found this post from 2014/ 2015. Link: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/14894-choice-between-these-two-choji-oil/page-2?hl=+break +free The post was a few years old ( 2014/23015) , so, maybe some member's have new news , or long term (only two years for that post ) observations on their blades, like "staining/discoloring". 2) One other thought that went through my mind... Ken Goldstein mentioned that those acids ( that might have been used to enhance Hamons) , usually turn to salts and water. Those residues (The Salts) left behind, that might have "seeped" into the Blade,... Do you guys think the Breakfree products would help "neutralize" the residue contaminants left behind by the acids? 3) Is this a case where "new tech" stuff ,have an improvement on old traditional ways/knowledge? or, is it , " The old ways was already proven through out time and history". or maybe, " I am the warrior ,in whom, the old ways have joined the new".. - From the movie , " The Last Samurai" ( the inscription on the new Blade ) Please post your opinions and thoughts about preservatives on Nihonto. Thank You for viewing.. Alton , again

Hello Guys, I was searching for info on Osuriage and Suriage Muromachi Blades. 1) Why is Osuriage "Bad" for collecting? a) Is it bad , because it is Not original" ? B) Is it because the blade is "considered untraceable" or ruined, because of the loss of it's original nakago Character? ( Shape/ Yasurime/ Mei) 2) Why is Ubu a must for Muromachi and later Blades? (I read that somewhere ) I did find this post during the forum search, but, I did not see/ or catch any related answers. Link to Post: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19569-unsigned-blades-with-nbthk-hozon-papers-vs-signed/?hl=o-suriage Would you guys like to post your opinions, knowledge about Osuriage Koto Blades? I was wondering why there is not much about Osugiage other than it's explanation. More like the "collector's feelings" about osugiage Blades, as, maybe it was more of producing only negative outlook at/about them? Thank You for viewing. Alton < again..

Guys, Any one here, would like to be my "Daddy"..? I would like to have someone , who would look at blade links I will send, and, help me 'Review" the Blades I am interested in, and tell me , as to, what it is, how good is to for the price. and, which one you would recommend getting.. Like, giving me "comfort" in knowing I am "buying" with confidence ( Your experience and confidence ).. Like, positive reinforcement.. Doing this in Private Messaging, as to not attract others (who might buy it before me) or cause trouble for the seller/store that has that Blade for sale. These are for low cost blades around 380,000 to 480,000 Yen. Tachi, Katana , Koshirae a plus, Bohi preferred. Thank You, Your son, Alton Takata < Ready for adoption Daddy needed. Yes, Post your site links . I will go there. I am looking to buy now.. I went to some of your sites already.. a bit out of my range. I need a couple of months to "earn" 6G's + ..Like waiting a lifetime. I'm already "Koto".

Oh Brian, I was supposed to check that page, but, I forgot Thanks for the "reminder".. Had some good places. Now, I seen many choices, from several dealers. Funny, in that, there's always a better one at 500 to 1,000.00 Dollars more than what "You" wanted to spend/get. Then, "You" figuring , another couple of weeks to save more $$ for that "Next Price level", then, "You see another", that is quite close to "The One", that you thought you wanted, but, then, it happens again,. You see another Blade, that is just 500 to 1,000 more. History repeats it's self LOL There's no end to Japanese swords. It turns to an addiction.. Alton Takata > " Someday, I will get a blade I really Want" .

Hello Guys.. I saw this website somewhere here, and, I saw some blades I am interested in and want to buy one. I was looking for the "Button" to "click here for English", but, I could not find it. http://www.nipponto.co.jp/ I did e-mail them to inquire about 3 blades I am interested in.. They got a lot of blades there Today, I would like to go and find Japanese Sword sites that have English translations. I want to buy a blade. preferably a Tachi with Bohi. or, early Katana with bohi, Cut down Tachi is O.k. Deep Sori a must. Anyone would like to list "English - user friendly " Japanese Sword sites for me? I was looking around.. I was hoping there you guys might know ( and paste links ) the best/user friendly , and, not $$$ type of sites.. I did find this: http://japaneseswordindex.com/sites2.htm so, I will start here. e-bay bidding/buying is taking too long. Days seem like years, when bidding on Blades. Sheees.. I'm tired of "chasing" blades.. = = I just like go to sites , see blades and buy . not bid and wait. Thanks for viewing.. Alton Takata

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May I offer my thoughts and why.. no disrespect or accusations to anyone. The e-bay seller's fee..? and, now, when asking about that two pricing, it might alert e-bay for , ( what was that POTUS disclaimer in the movie, Independence Day?) about having no knowledge, of what is happening. I once bought a item . direct from a seller's store, (I was on his mailing list) , while, he had a higher price on e-bay.. I was told it was to cover the seller's fee. So, on an open forum, not a good thing to mention? My Bad.. Alton Takata

Hello Guys.. Thanks for the input/replies. So, Chances are > Slim.. From Dr. Kevin-john McIntyre - The Soul of the Samurai " The value of a Japanese Sword is far greater than it's material worth. It is a repository of history. It's owner, a temporary guardian of the sprits of the past owners, thus, obligated to cherish, respect, and, maintain it for future generations . So, it can pass on to them, the sprit, it embodies." <><><><><> 1) The best advice was the concern of damaging the blade. I can see from the initial, and, immediate replies, that this is the primary factor for Nihontoist.. 2) The overall cost ( time and frustration ) "to bring it all together".. - " Do you know what the chances are of a match in these areas? At very, very best, nil! " Dr. Fox 3) Koshirae for sale is not necessarily for "re-fitting' on another blade, but, maybe more for collecting. - " buy an old original koshirae for itself " Franco 4) and, the price might go up if it fits.. Grev Thanks for your time and for sharing your thoughts gentlemen. Anyone got a Koto Tachi in old Tachi Koshirae, for around 3g's .. Edo period Koshirae is O.K. Alton Takata

Hello Gentlemen, I was looking around the 'net. to see if I could find and buy a "full Koshirae " for a Blade I have. I did see one I want, and, sent my Blade "Specs" , to see if he/they knew ,or had a blade like it that they could try and "fit" inside. It was a full Koshirae matching set, meaning complete, old, Edo Period set. I did a search about how to find existing Koshirae, noting came up.. May I ask, Is buying/finding existing Koshirae to fit a specific blade possible? Is it often done by you guys? What was the chances it "did" fit correctly? Is this "practical"? < > or only leading to ..... Yes, I an aware about some Modifications that "might" have to be done. Mekugi pin location ( Devalue the authenticity?) , Nakago shape misfits. But, it is "Original/Authentic". Thoughts? Experiences to share with others that might have wanted to do this? Thanks for viewing... Alton

Howzit guys, Thanks Big Hi Alex.. I did not post anything about the Naokatsu Blade I bought. It was the deep sori, that attracted me to this blade, and, it had many cool features that I like. I would have liked a Bohi , as, that is another feature I like on Blades. Verbal Kantei from members welcome , as, I'd like to hear what you guys have to say. <><><><><><><><> This is from The seller's Description: The cutting edge is 67 cm long, and the blade is sturdy, i.e. wide and thick. Also, it has grace figure with deep Sori curvature. This Tachi sword was used as Gunto military sword. Name of smith is Naokatsu (直勝), which literally means "more wins" in Japanese and is very fortunate name, and I guess that is why an officer brought this Tachi to wars. Beautiful Gunto mountings with Tosho tassel Hamon temper lines are art. The blade is well polished and is in very good condition. The blade is well forged and has beautiful forging grains. The blade has "Ura-nenki" date chiseled in Nakago tang.Appealing Points: Features: Mei signature on blade: (front) 荘司弥門直勝 (Shoji Yamon NAOKATSU), (back) 慶應二年八月日 (August of Keio era year 2 (1866 in western calendar)) Shoji Yamon NAOKATSU was 2nd generation of Jiro Taro NAOKATSU (次郎太郎直勝) and was a student of Suishinshi school (水心子派). He was reputed as a Wazamono master. Jidai date: August of 1866 as provided in the Ura-nenki Sugata structure: Shinogi zukuri Mune: Iori-mune Boshi head: Midare-komi active Kitae hada: Mokume Hamon temper lines: Gunome Midare very active Nakago tang: Kuri-jiri Yasuri-me: Suji-kai with Kesho finishing Mekugi hole: One Habaki collar: Single piece copper Size (approximation): Cutting edge length (per registration): 67 cm (26 3/8") Nakago tang length: 21 cm (8 1/4") Total blade length: 88 cm Moto-haba: 32.8 mm Saki-haba: 22.5 mm Moto-gasane: 8.3 mm Saki-gasane: 5.8 mm Sori curve: 25 mm Kissaki point: 40 mm Fitting: 100.3 cm (39 1/2") Tsuka handle: 23.5 cm (9 1/4") Weight (approximation): Bare blade: 873 g (1.93 lb) <><><><><><><><><><><><> Thanks for viewing. Alton Takata

Hello guys.. Thank you for replying.. Thanks Ken.. I was asking more of the style or "school" that makes these "Non Ferrous" Tsubas.. as, most are Iron/Steel, and, more traditional /user friendly.. I think I confused the members, when I asked "what was I looking at". I meant the tsuba style and history part.. I can see, it is bare ume plum branches, one with a bird . The artwork it's self is well done. I'm not fully aware if the metal for the raised potions (The branches and other motifs) is metal "brazed on" , or, is done by "Moving the base material " to form those shapes the artist intended to make. Is this Valuable? I will sell it if I can get a few hundred.. I want to buy a blade soon.. Don't catch me sucker, as , here, we are all supposed to be "Members and friends" . Alton Takata

Thank you guys.. I kinda get what you guys are saying.. These are the best "Rule of Thumbs" (advice) : Jean pointed out, 1) A katana is a whole. Nakago is as important as the blade itself, so forget it. Nakago shows the skill of the smith, yasurime are very important. Ken pointed out : 2) It depends on the amount of damage, along with the provenance of the blade, pretty much as the others have said. No hard & fast rule. Mr. Hudson pointed out - : 3) Depends on how corroded. My Kashu Nagatsugu had a decent nakago, still legible mei and taurine. If it is thin and feels and looks as if the nakago could snap ..... Barry Hennick said : 4) If the nakago is bad I will not buy the blade. With very rare exceptions for koto blades by a rare smith who did excellent work. Nihonto Collector says : 5) It would defiantly be a shame (for him, and, maybe for some people's Collection ) Understandable.. or, if you are a newbie... Alton Takata says: " If you are a Dagashi Samurai, and love the blade and it's lowed price, and, keeping the Blade in Koshirae, to then, it is O.K. " At the lower end (up to $3000) , I can see people buying these, because that is not an "arm and a leg", but, for the higher price range, and the more "connoisseur" buyer, the advice given is well advised. Jean, about the two Mekugi pin holes, those are two different blades. One has many guys interested and bidding . Hovering below 3000.00 I was wondering why so many guys are bidding, but, then, it is under 3000. so, maybe that is why.. I am looking to buy a Tachi style katana blade. Preferably Koto... Deep Sori.. Bohi is preferable. In Koshirae.. Papered is a plus.. around 3000.00 ( I can hear all the people telling me "Good Luck in your endeavor" LOL ) Thank You guys.. Alton Takata

Howzit guys.. 1st. this is my Tsuba Stand.. 3 different types of Koa Woods.. I got this Tsuba on a Edo Katana I bought. To me, the craftsmanship/art work is done really well. This artist understood Fractals.. Would anyone, please tell me/us what I am looking at? as far as craftsmanship, era, what style or proper name of this "Yellow Metal" type Tsubas.. Thanks for viewing.. Alton Takata

Hey guys, I was looking around, and, could not fine anything about Corroded Nakagos.. What's the general census ? 1) How does a corroded Nakago , with a decent blade "Rate"..? 2) Do you just disregard that Sword / Blade, or, if it comes with some kind of authentication , then, it is O.K. ? 3) Is it still "acceptable" with any authentication? 4) Is it a shame to own a blade in this condition? 5) Is a Blade like this not worth anything anymore to most collectors? Opinions are welcome.. No "Save more money and look at better blades" replies. Yes, that's always true, but, this is post is to "see" what different people say about the topic. and, Yes, there is some of us , that only will spend up to a certain amount for a Blade. So, no criticism , just what you feel about these corroded Nakago blades and their future. Thanks for you time Alton Takata

Gimei Ise Ebi - (say that ten times , fast ) Hello Guys, Just passing info. There was a "Myôchin" Lobster reproduction I saw, this week, and, it still sold for 500+. It was not like the abundant brown, reddish Copper ones. It looked like the real Muniyuki "Myôchin" (51st) Ise Ebi ( Spiny Lobster). There was no Tomobako (Japanese Paulownia wood Signed Box). Below is a photo of the two Plastron (Brest Plate) Mei for comparison.. Have a safe weekend Thanks Stephen & Greg Alton < The Dagashi Samurai

I was at Mr. Yellin's Blog site, and, the caption was hard to read there, so, here is the caption about Handeishi Kawakita: " In the world of 20th century Japanese Tea Ceramics there is one man who left a mark like no other, yet his first job was not as an artist yet as a wealthy banker of great privilege. His legacy is based on his magnificent chawan and other utensils associated with cha-no-yu, along with his profound influence on many younger potters of the day--- think 1930s-40s--who later became the pillars of their own respective styles--think Kaneshige Toyo, Miwa Kyuwa and Arakawa Toyozo. Handeishi Kawakita is his name and he referred to himself as an amateur, and his works do lack technical proficiency, but they are in keeping with an "amateur tradition" that dates back to the great Koetsu Honami (1558-1637). His chawan have charming personalities and quirky rhythms about them, bearing names such as "The Wealthy" or "Thin Ice"; Kawakita was well-known for the unusual names he bestowed on his works. "

Would you guys consider the Top 5 , picking the top 5 from the list of "National Treasures of Japan" ? Or, that would be only considered "Official list of top..... " As, this Tittle of "Natrional Treasure", is the most prestigious one can have. Would he be one to consider? Fujimoto Yoshimichi 滕本 能道 (1919-1992). Former President of the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music (Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku), he was declared a Living National Treasure by Japan in 1986 I was fortunate to acquire one of his Chawans. Top 5 most expensive? = just like any art/ art Gallery pricing systems? When going "abstract", the pricing and ranking are like Tulips in Holland. Top 5 most popular? Like Ken Matsuzaki , Shoji Hamada, Mia Ishiguro ? Or Famous Popular / Historical people, like Honami Koetsu , Rengetsu Otagaki, Samurai Warrior Furuta Shigenari ( Furuta Oribe), ? I narrowed down my pottery/ceramic collecting to just Chawans, and, the categories there alone, is a lot to cover. Alton Takata Mia's works: I was trying to buy this one from her..

Sorry, I forgot to add my "Opinion" about Bob's question.. I am not sure how "Big" your hands are. , but, it looks like the small one , and, if it is the small " Ise Ebi " (Japanese for "Spiny Lobster " ),$ 600 is an OK price, being in the condition you show. Most of the ones I've seen, were made pretty good. It is the attention to details, like the stamping of the spines and other "Shell" features that has the little differences that show the "quality" of these "entry level" Isi Ebi " Okimonos". so, they are still good representatives of Ise Ebi Jizai Okimonos. Don't let the "Real Deal" Jizai Okimonos and, people telling you it otherwise, and discourage your collecting. Most of the guys would never buy them, as, they would buy Nihonto before that. The Medium size ones (as I heard there is a bigger one too ) , depending on "condition", was going around the 400 dollar range. I once was fortunate, to find 4 , new medium size ones, that some one bought from an Old Japanese Gift Shop. They looked "Brand New" .. Sold them around 350.00,, funny, at that time, no one wanted to pay 350.. Sheees.. These are not really "Fakes", as, they are the "common" copper ones that are popular. The only "Fake" is that, they are "Gimei". in, you don't know if the Mei is genuine.. Thanks for you comps Brian and Stephen

I was into these "affordable" Jizai Okimono Ise Ebi for a while. The one you show is the smaller /smallest of the "Common" "Hiroshi" ones around. It is the next size up, that every one sees and most likely talking about. Those smaller size ones are harder to find. The Medium Hiroshi ones are the most abundant. The late Muniyuki Myochin ( 51st) had a bigger , not as detailed as the little ones. I was fortunate to get it "Like New" with Tomobako (Wooden Box). and, there are the Iron ones, about 7 inches.. None of these are the " Museum Quality" ones that are Highly prized by the Real Jizai Okimono Collectors. They are the " Novelties for the Novice " - Alton Takata

I'm no expert, but, I do collect Japanese Pottery, and narrowed down to collect mosty Japanese Chawans (Tea Bowls). Could this Family be one of the top 5? My " Kichizaemon" of Raku ware.. and, Just to show, one of my prized pieces I was so fortunate to find. Mr. Wabi- Cha himself.

After reading the "Art Sword" post in the In the " General Nihonto Related Discussions" , I say we should label them, as if there can be two types of "Art Swords". <><><> Like paulb posted in that discussion ( #2) : I think the term is used in several ways: The first and I think most common is in describing a sword that goes beyond pure functionality to achieve something that is not only supremely fit for purpose but beautiful. Remember the NBTHK describes it's function as the preservation of art swords. Traditionally made using traditional material and with aesthetic as well as utilitarian appeal. The second I have seen used less often but refers to more modern blades, shin-shinto and later where a blade was made purely as an aesthetic work and not intended for combat. Having said that these swords are still fully functional and capable of doing the job. " <><><><> Thanks Paul, hope it was O.K. to "Quote" you. <><><><> I, too, ( for what I'm worth ) , see this as the 2nd type of "Art Sword".. I bought this Sword for that reason. The Blade was "Affordable" for me, and, it had many features that I would like to admire in a real, old ( 100 years +) Japanese Sword. And, was bought to be "Admired" casually, in hand, and not with mag glass and turning/tilting with the lighting. Something to put on the open blade display stand for the evening's enjoyment. Presenting, my "ART SWORD" ...... "Type II Thanks for viewing, Alton Takata

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