Nickupero

Hi Gents, picked up this piece recently and I'd be interested to get some feedback on the Kashira. Does anyone know what this mythical creature is? Looks like a mixture of a Phoenix and Elephant. Just in case you might be interested to know more about, all the fittings are Solid silver, all the way down to the habaki... very very heavy piece. The blade has been attributed as Mino Kanetsune, early to mid Muromachi period.

Just like to say Real nice blade John, looks real intimidating. That horimono is very odd, do you think it could have served a purpose? Hi Glenn, Welcome to the NMB, always nice to meet collectors who have an appreciation for these items. You'll get plenty of good advice here, it never hurts to ask before here before you jimp into a purchase. Your question has been debated quite often in the past, interestingly I started a thread on this very topic a while back, please see link, it goes on a while: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14955&p=130942&hilit=removing+signature#p130942 Even for superior made nihonto many items were not signed, certain schools would keep the Nakago Mumei, while others would sign only the school and not their actual name, it really depends on the school or individual smith. It is very possible that there were smiths who were embarrassed to sign their name after forging a poor blade. Another important factor is who was the blade commissioned for. A good example are temple blades, they were almost always Mumei. I stand completely on one side of the fence regarding the removal of a signature, some people think its like removing graffiti which makes sense... but I believe your removing the historical blueprints by doing this. I could understand wanting to remove a signature if the forgery was done yesterday, but in my eyes something that was done centuries ago is now part of the blades history. Sometimes there were valid reasons for a smith to want to falsify a signature. I suggest you to read the thread I mentioned, it might help you decide which side of the fence you stand. Thanks!!

Wow, Brian, Jean & John posting all together, I'm Honoured Thank you all for your input. If you could post a picture or two John I'd be interested to see your Jumyo. I was comparing it to that Ko-Mihara Katana and in terms of weight they are about the same, I've seen oversized Wakizashi's before but it is the first time I remember holding one, definitely a different feel. Thanks Mike for your input, that is why I initially suggested it as late Muromachi - Early Edo. Judging from the pictures would you date it that old? I would also be interested to see your Daido, feel free to post a picture or two on this thread.

Hi friends, thanks for your interest and apologies Jean.. I mentioned how big of a blade but forgot to include the most important part, the measurements! The Motokasane measures 0.8 cm/ 0.314 inches, Motohaba measures 3.4 cm /1.34 inches. The nagasa is 39.3 cm / 15.47 inches so it eliminates the possibility of being a Yoroi-doshi Ken, good suggestion though!. Maybe Chris is right, after observing the patina on the Nakago it is mostly likely middle Edo. It has a nice patina and on the close-up of the Nakago seen above the flash made the much of the colour fade.

And here are those blade shots... just some simple but time consuming cropping was done, no enhancements to the actual photos! You'll note a very dense Jihada which was typical of this school.

a few more... those real nice shots of the blade will be coming soon. PLEASE Note the double HI on each side, different in to opposite sides but nicely done.

A beautiful Ubu-Nakago Wakizashi in mounts (tsuka and Saya are new) with old Komainu menuki, and it has been attributed to Daido of Mino. What is particularly interesting about this sword is its massive size, the width and thickness is incredibly large, far bigger than we are used to seeing. I added a picture of this blade beside a large Ko-mihara katana and you can see the big difference. Looks like Muromachi to Earlier Edo period, the school spanned from late Muromachi to I believe Showa period. It is very healthy condition and I will be uploading some better full-blade images soon.

Shoot, you need to add the FREESHIP Code, it does combine with LULUVIP8684 and not HOLIDAY25. Sorry for that, so 30% off and free shipping.

While were all busy this month buying gifts for everyone else its the perfect little gift to show how much you appreciate yourself If you think the wife will complain then send it to a family members house and have them wrap it and give you it Christmas Day!

Brian, actually found a Promo code that beats it but only available today. Its 30% off. LULUVIP8684 The FREESHIP promo code can be combined with the 30%

Something from my collection with Raden work since were on the topic, a Yari Koshirae. Seeing it in pictures doesn't do it justice, when you hold it in hand you realize just how much work and patience went into it. Sorry if I didn't contribute to your search Ken!

Thank you both Brian and Peter for taking the time to explain. Brain your right, Expresspost International is listed as EMS in Canada. I'll make sure to point him towards the South African Japanese Sword Society. Thanks again!!! :D

Hi gents, just reaching out to anyone who's had experience shipping to South Africa, final destination would be Johannesburg. Who is a recommended carrier, is South African post trustworthy for these type of items? FedEx a better option? Two people who immediately come to mind are Brian and Ford, any past experiences are welcomed. Thank you in advance for your input!

Definitely creative Ken, had a good laugh and I'm sure other did too, thx. :lol: Ian happy to know it brought back some good memories, can't imagine the amount of effort that went into trimming each piece!

Recently saw an Episode of "Pawn Stars" and I wanted to send my Congrats out to Mike Yamasaki for making his way onto this show. For those of you who don't know its a History Channel series that is extremely successful in North America (yes including Canada)! Was probably a repeat so maybe some old news for some. Mike you handled it like a Pro and represented the Nihonto community Honorably !!!!

Never saw it that way :? but I can see where your coming from. I imagine the level of workmanship to achieve this is pretty high, sort of like a high grade grade chef to make a top quality Bouillabaisse, lol.

Hi, just posting some pictures of some very interesting lacquer work. First time I've come across something like this and I find its real special. You can literally see entire sea shells. Comments and opinions welcome!

Hi Gilles, nice to hear your making your way to Canada! If the weather continues to what we had here in Montreal this weekend I think it will be a pleasant trip :D . Regarding the Museums you missed two nice exhibits, both in Montreal and Quebec city, the one in Montreal was a private and extensive collection that ended in spring. That last time I was in Toronto I saw a small section of Samurai related antiques at the Royal Ontario Museum, and I think it is part of their permanent display along with other weapons from various periods... worth taking a couple of hours to see. Enjoy your trip and PM me if you have any specific questions, I'll try my best to help!

I'd be interested in one... anyone else in Montreal so we can up that number?

Hi Friends, just reaching out to see if anyone has any recent experiences shipping to Italy. I've sent a Wakizashi many years back from Canada to Italy but I can't remember the process clearly. I'm looking to possibly send a certified Shin-shinto Tanto to Italy most likely with FedEx and was wondering if anything is required for Italian Customs? I know FedEx is more expensive but the service is outstanding and they tend to aid with customs Brokering, but is there anything else I should know or expect? I know the harmonized code is 9706 and from I remember Italy is a member of GATT. Responses are much Appreciated! Thanks in anvance :D

In Nippon as we speak so I figured I'd add my two sense. Much of my response is based on the opinions of the Japanese people I spoke with so please don't persecute me if you don't agree :lol: Many of the Japanese feel the economy has improved greatly, which could be explained by the devalue of the Yen. I stopped off at a few influential sword shops to see what goodies they had to offer to the market and had the opportunity to speak with in depth with the owners regarding the Japanese Sword Market. Recently the prices for good blades in Japan have gone up greatly, the dealers all had the same opinion with regards to the internal auctions they use to get much of their inventory. They all said that nothing has been coming on the market, and for a while. Initially I though the reason for prices being high was the Japanese trying to capitalize on their deflated Yen, but most of these shops catered almost mostly to the Japanese population. Maybe there just aren't as many blades in Japan as there used to be, especially with the interest of Western people. I actually believe there is going to be an increase in the value for these items in the next few years, even for the medium grade stuff, but that's just my opinion. I guess we'll see what prices will be at the shows.

Here's your swords bigger and badder version, except the kissaki is smaller. Used to be the biggest one in Canada :lol: http://nihontoart.com/item-details.php?id=39

Barry said it right... Always nice to see fellow Canadians joining the NMB. Welcome Reuben and Mark! Hi Sven, glad you were able to make it over. You'll find some great and knowledgeable collectors here, as well as some good items to trade with!

Judging from the reply's you really know how to open a can of worms! Flemming, as you've read from the above posts these are passionate collectors who know what they are talking about. If you want to experiment then buy a $50 blade that's gone beyond restoration, don't do it on an item that has potential to be restored to its original condition

Your right, its great that security is increased but hopefully they concentrate their efforts where it is really needed and not on harassing the average Joe trying to buy a piece of Art. I guess we'll find out soon enough!