Davis

Bruce, yes it is unusual to see an officer posing with his sword drawn. The reverse of this photo gives a lot of biographical detail and suggests he may have been in recent action. There is also a reference to his sword, John C. re the picture with palm tree background. I believe he is one of four friends who served together, probably military police, they were proud of their swords and took every opportunity to be photographed with them.

Fascinating.

Two more.

I feel these images are more than just men with swords. They are history, each with their own story. I don't read Japanese but know the caption on the reverse of the 1938 image of the boy refers to " Ishiki Officer Hirada Hajime"

Apologies I'm getting a bit tired.

This photograph of Vice Admiral Naomasa Sakonju was originally in a silver coloured frame and was gifted to me by an English woman friend of his.

Not sure if these are of interest. I have others and when I locate them will post.

Thanks for sharing Johnny, I have a few similar from this period would you like to see them?

Apologies for poor picture but I can't use a camera at the moment. This is the picture that Ian refers to. The other is a panel, screen really, that was sold at auction last year, that definitely originated in Japan. I've come across countless panels similar to yours depicting Japanese life, always on paper mache. I've assumed that these were a form of chinoiserie and probably French in origin. However, my knowledge is very limited and I too would like to learn more and will defer to others.

Hi Gerry I know very little about this subject but have owned a few ivory okimono. I tend to agree with Colin about quality. Hands and feet are a good indicator. The standing gent is poor quality and made from odd bits fitted together. The kneeling man speaks for himself.

I still have my copy of "cutting edge" and thumb through it often. I recall To-Ken members received a free copy as a large donation had been made by then to the BM. More to the point an event was held at the museum to coincide with that exhibition. It was held I think on a Saturday, Clive Sinclaire was on the door and there were a large number of swords on display. A Japanese expert talked about each sword, alongside him stood Victor Harris translating, sometimes frowning or raising his eyebrows at what he had just translated. It was a hands on experience but due to the large number in attendance members only had about a minute or two with a sword. In my early days of collecting I would sometimes take a sword into the London museums. The curators then were very generous with their time and knowledge. What they did have though was a very real passion.

My apologies for poor quality images as I can't use my camera at the moment. Colin, the first image. Apart from the recent damage, it's how it was acquired. Yes, I think three leaves have been replaced and and another has been badly repaired using a filler and then shaped. Sharp eyes. Second image. When I bought this plaque the seller told me that he had paid to have it professionally restored. The losses to the standing warrior's leg's, the blades of the sword and spear were substituted with mother of pearl.. Howard, my opinion is that any adornments on the woodwork, if too elaborate would detract your eyes from the main focus of the cabinet, the panels.

Hi Howard, a nice cabinet. I agree with almost everything that's been said. The flower on this cabinet door was damaged last week exposing the original pitch like substance used to fix it in place. You can usually tell if a damaged piece has been replaced by a variation in quality and the type of adhesive used. This second picture shows a plaque whose losses have been replaced using shell, completely different from the original material but I think it works well. With regards your "flower", it's difficult to make a call without actually seeing in person but In my opinion it's original to the cabinet.

Thanks everyone. Thanks for the links Rohan, that's why I thought there might be a connection to the Nio school. Although my wife did think that they were bones too. The tsuba may have been switched Brian but it does appear to be en suite and the sword is in the same sleepy state as when acquired. Jean, the pictures are poor as I took them with my phone as my camera was not available. This one although also poor might give some idea as to shape. Uwe, thanks some new information and very useful.

This sword has been rubbed with abrasives at sometime. The resulting damage extends to the nakago, partially removing the patina and wearing down the signature, which I believe reads Nio Kiyonage. I know the story of the tachi that cut the chain to the temple door to save a statue from fire, So I can understand how the menuki might compliment this sword. I'm not sure if the tsuba might also be connected in some way? Opinions would be welcome. Thanks.