Nickupero

Hi gents, this is aimed to the Tosogu experts and whoever else would like to join in. I have this Tsuba which appears to be from late Edo period with some interesting workmanship. It has vines growing from plant below and what is interesting is that they really are winding three dimensionally around the fence, I don't recall seeing this before, is it something rare? What would we call it. Sorry if the pictures are not the best as i snapped them quickly. I also attached a picture of the Kojiri from the set and its for those who like this sort of thing.

Hi Markus, Thank you for the attachment. Permission for the image is granted You can always contact me directly. I don't have a larger image (thumbnail like) but is it not something like this also? Do you have this image in larger format? Thanks

I have an interesting Shinto Katana with cutting test. I believe the cutting test performed was on a body hung in upright position. Anyone is welcome to correct me if I'm wrong but the test was through the center of the body, literally cutting the body lengthwise in half through the central chest cavity and spinal cord all the way down, starting from the head and finishing at the pelvis. If so does that include the head? Does anyone have pictures/ diagram of this upright style?? (Guido, wink wink) Thx Here's a snapshot of the Nakago

Hi Trent, I won't comment on the situation about the blades description but he possibly wants to cancel the transaction for feedback reasons, I could definitely be wrong there. I will comment though that I have a couple clients that dealt with him in the past, one that met him in person and apparently he's a down to earth guy. I doubt he would try to scam you as this would most likely end his career, so you're not dealing with another Eric Roush. Best thing to do is pick up the phone and talk it out, emailing can sometimes be a poor method of communication, still its good to get things on paper but often times an old fashion verbal conversation can go a long way. Good luck.

Incredible work, definitely a great loss!!! Sensei Toshimasa will live on through the beautiful work he has left us.

Thanks you gentleman for all your valuable input...now its a big waiting game. Hopefully this customs official will not have something to prove! John I found the link where you got that info, I really hope they don't ask me how to prove that exact species.. wouldn't even know where to start. Btw I agree with you John, its unfortunate not everyone shares this opinion.

Thanks Brian and John! I checked both species John supplied and they are not listed as endangered but "vulnerable" which is one grade above endangered. Not sure what to do here, if I give them the wrong species this situation can go sour real quick. Here is an image of the Tsuka in question, I would grade it as antique.. wouldn't you agree? And being antique does that change anything?

Looking for some help here if anyone knows. Have a sword in US customs and the Fish and Wildlife department is requesting the scientific name of the Manta skin being used, does anyone know this? From what I know its not a prohibited item? Has anyone had their item stopped before for this, I've been sending forever and its the first I hear of this.

I have a client who several years back bought an un-papered Katana into the UK which turn out to be a task. They claimed he has no proof it was antique, I imagine customs is familiar with certification from some of the well known organizations. I then wrote customs a letter indicating I was a Japanese antique sword dealer and a registered business and I personally attested to the authenticity of the piece.... it gave the situation some headwind, not sure how much but my client refused to wait any longer and so he had his lawyer write up a letter stating he would take legal action if the item was not released. Few hours later the blade miraculously cleared and was handed over to Fedex. Maybe sometimes all its takes is a little muscle!

Real Scary John, especially hearing it from someone who can see the gradual impact first hand. Montreal is always cold and snowy so same winter here as always. Time for everyone to stop collecting Nihonto for the next several years and put that money towards electric cars :lol:

Robert, many of the members here follow these items on eBay regularly... so it was most likely seen and judged by many so far. Interesting iron work indeed, not a fan of how the cat design was executed. Just my opinion Good luck bidding if thats what you intend to do!

Typed in "cat Tsuba" and got this, for a Wakizashi. I imagine this is what you're talking about. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Japanese-Tsuba-Cat-/291071770345?pt=Asian_Antiques&hash=item43c53abee9

Exactly what the title says, I have a real beautiful Fuchi from a set I'll be posting in the near future and was curious to know your opinions as to which castle the artist may be trying to depict. Not sure why but the first one that came to mind is the Matsumoto castle, probably because of that memorable bridge seen from the upper command floor. And why you would think of that particular castle?

:lol: Thanks Ken, Much appreciated!!!! Already have a collector eyeing that one. Beautiful piece indeed! If you have a picture of your Ko-Mihara please feel free to share! All the Best!

Hi gents, wishing you all a safe and Happy Holiday, all the best to you and your loved ones!!!! Excited to share this recent news with you all...My site has just received a full facelift, some new features will be added and I welcome you to come and see. Still sorting out the glitches (work in progress) so if you see anything thats off please send me a personal email or PM. For those of you who visit more frequent http://www.nihontoart.com Thank you all, hope you wake up with plenty of gifts under the Christmas tree!!! And if you've been naughty then I hope you at least get plenty of coal, good for BBQ season!

Here are a few more pictures of the Fuchi/ Kashira, Fuchi is signed which can help shed some light. My translation isn't very quick so any quickshooters are welcome to translate Barry your right, looks to be many strips of metal involved. Bruno does definitely have some similarities.

This Image should help you get an idea of the saya's anatomy, you can see a small opening in the metalwork and the wood underneath showing.

a few more....

Hi Gents, looks like a mid Meiji period Koshirae, what are your opinions on the age and type of metal work? It's a very interesting piece as the entire saya is covered with a thin sheet of metalwork. The seam near the Kojiri has a slight opening. The tsuba is extremely heavy but well detailed.

Stephen, nothing to apologize about... after that picture I'm very much in the Christmas spirit! All the best to everyone, it was a year full of great posts and conversations which I enjoyed following! Hope your stockings are full, and some good memories are created with your loved ones. Already dreading the extra pounds that I'll put on! A quick thank you to Brian, John, and Jean for all the effort they've dedicated.... I guess in a way you're Santa's little helpers :lol:

And one of the little Oni....

Its actually the friction points that appear like they were polished, need to see it in hand to understand what exactly I mean. Here are the extra pictures that I promised, both of the blade and a few more of the Koshirae. I did them on a black background, the silver seems to come out more naturally. You can see a few surface flaws, nothing fatal, a nice long koto piece. Enjoy!

Many thanks for all the feedback and pictures, the post was to get opinions so the positive or negative ones were all appreciated. Keith, I had a good laugh, so far I've went through 3 sageo, the Oni is a hungry little fellow :lol: Ben, I picked it up during my last trip in Japan (were I get all my items). I like to buy the Japanese rail pass and explore, real convenient with the Shinkansen, discovered a few little spots . Sometimes I get lucky with finds like this but not always...Finding an item like this from a Japanese dealer means it will most likely be marked up far too high to make a profit. It will be going up for sale in the near future, we can communicate directly for prices. etc (if you or another member wanted to pursue something a donation will be honoured). Sorry Alex, was intending to show the blade soon, have not yet got around to taking pictures / scanning it. Should have them by tomorrow.

Thank you Lance... much appreciated! You nailed it straight on, I thought I remembered seeing it somewhere... I was probably distracted by the Sanzaru (3 Monkeys). Nikko is no doubt one of my top 3 favourite places!

Some close ups of the Kashira and kurikata