Jump to content

Mantis dude

Members
  • Posts

    310
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Mantis dude

  1. I have 4 sets (12 catalogs per set) that are bound (well tied together with a cover). I purchased them about 5-8 years ago from Japan. I need to go through and catalog the blades in them along with the fittings. actually there might be an index in them. They have some great photos of swords and mei and fittings. I have actually found several items that are similar in my collection. In fact, last night I translated a daisho set of fittings that had a similar sword guard to one I have in my collection. It was the first time I really translated a bunch of text and I must admit it was most satisfying. The kanji section here (thanks Rich T among others) really was helpful. However, I am fairly certain they got the tsuba school wrong, saying it was akasaka when one similar guard I have is papered to Hagi (choshu). Still, I went to bed satisfied that I really was able to make sense of something and I did it on my own without asking the translation section. Here is a copy of the issue it came from, if you really want a better scan, I can untie the cover so I can lay the book flat and get a better scan for you. Anyone know Who did these? If Rich T is out there, I got them from that nice women that was living in Japan but moved back to chicago- I cant remember her name.
  2. Hi all, I think I found a good teaching example for a late edo copy of a heianjo tsuba vs a muramachi/early copy. First I want to confirm my gut opinion. The auction is here: http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k112542892 . The shape and design is very similar to a guard pictured in Sukashi Tsuba, Swordguards with openwork design from Kofun Period to Edo Period #60 on page 52. The shape is copied very well. What makes me think this? Well I have a tsuba that Jim Gilbert looked at and said this is a copy circa 1825. My tsuba #31 It seems to me it has that exact same plate quality, especially that glassy look. I have looked through many examples and I think this guard in my collection matches what the plate should look like much more. Tsuba #65 which hasn't been evaluated by anyone but me but the steel quality just seems to be of better quality and certainly lacks that glassy look. What do you guys think? The other question is do I avoid this guard, since it really isn't adding to the collection- I am a mantis slut and a poor one at that. If my initial analysis is wrong let me know!!! thanks.
  3. Kevin, You have a start but spend some more time with the book..... of course you want a blade with with hamon and activities, but which ones? which type of hada do you like? Do you like a fancy hamon or a more subtle one? Go online to Rich Stein's site or depending on the book you have, pick out the characteristics you like most. What shape of the blade do you like, there are changes over the years. Spend more time picking out those things that you like, you will end up getting a sword you like more than rushing to just get one. There are several sites to help see those activities you want, try http://www.nihontoantiques.com/sword%20details.htm click on jigane and jihada and hataraki. Even on Rich Stein's site he has characteristics of blades. try to find examples, even on Aoi's site. Look at those characteristics and see what appeals to you! Keep making that list, of course swords that have it all will be more expensive. While koshirae are important and add to the cost, would you prefer a sword in shirasaya or one that is mounted already? my opinion is I want to concentrate on the blade, I can always try and find koshorie for a quality sword. But that is my opinion. You may have a different opinion. All swords have a history and if they are papered it will give you a starting point to research. I still make the recommendation to look more and get more specific, you made some decisions, keep at it. Think of it just like you would when buying a car, style- interior , color, type of radio, etc etc are all things you would consider into the decision. Do the same thing with the sword. I know you want to own a sword, trust me, I understand but spend some more time understanding what you want. Maybe you may want to buy another book or 2 to help in that decision. I just think you will be better served going slower and making the most informed decision. For example, When I was last looking for a sword, I like a nice mokume hada with nioi hamon. I like a more subtle ko gunome hada but eventhough subtle, there can still be lots of hataraki like ashi, inazumi (sp?). Certain schools have these characteristics namely Bizen as one. So that helped me narrow where to look. I like the shape of an older blade, a blade with fumbari (narrows down from the habaki to the kissaki). I like a bit of sori curvature. If you aren't sure what the book is saying find examples on the internet and see if one thing appeals to you more than others. This is just my suggestion but I think the more advanced collectors would agree, take your time and figure out what you want, just like you would when buying a car. You may not be able to buy a Ferrari but there are aspects of that car that you do like that are in cheaper models. Same idea in choosing a blade. Funny thing is that when I have bought a sword, it spoke to me, some I didn't care for and others just appealed to me. I got a sword or 2 to begin with (spent very little money) but then took more of my time to understand what I like and as I said before, everyone likes different things. There are plenty of blades out there, so don't worry that one won't be around. Get those basics down, you won't regret it. Best of luck.
  4. Kevin, Just a few comments, I haven't looked at any of the swords. First, if the sword has NBTHK papers etc they will be given to you. Dealers get papers since it helps add legitimacy to the sword and makes it more commercial. There is an expense to getting papers but the risk is taken out with having them so 2 swords which are comparable but one has papers means it will likely sell for a small premium. The levels of papers will also effect value if they are higher levels. Anything Aoi gives you, would be more their opinion, might help with your records or research but may not hold a lot of value for reselling- the shop is basically claiming what they are selling you. Onto buying a sword- Take a step back- you should make some decisions or spell them out and then look for a sword. First off, you have identified a price range you wish to spend so that will help narrow it down. 2nd and a hard but important one is what type of sword do you want? what kind of characteristics? Do you care about size? a wakisashi can be a 1/3 the price of a katana, so you might be able to afford a better wakisashi. What type of hada do you want? What kind of hamon (nie or nioi)? Do you have a particular school in mind (some of the hada and hamon styles will point to particular schools). Do you care about having a signature (mei)? There is a small premium for a signed piece and while lots of people like to have one, I actually don't care or prefer to get more sword for the money, ie mumei in general are cheaper. Are there any other characteristics you like? ie types of activities. Age of blade, koto or shinto/shinshinto. I think if you answer these - go to the characteristics of a sword and make a list. Then you have an idea of the sword you want to own. With that characteristic list you can then see what is out there and perhaps shorten the list for you. All the things you want may not be in that price range, etc but knowing what sword you want I think will help you choose a sword that will meet your needs better. We all have personal tastes. Sorry if you have done this, but I think if you haven't you will be better served doing that first then just choosing a sword at random. Take the necessary steps to help you decide what you want since you are spending a decent some of money. While not the answer you were looking for I hope it helps. It is exciting to get your first sword but let your head drive the decision. You may have this sword for a long time and/or the first sword always has a special place in those of us that are sentimental. As time goes on and you can add to the funds or want more quality or your tastes change you can exchange/trade for another one. Let us know how it goes or even spell out what you want and then I think you will get better help.
  5. Not that I can tell, but a lot of display pieces are not concerned with the seppa dai. In other words, the design goes into the seppa dai area which in normal conditions would be covered by the seppa/habaki/fuchi/tsuka. The design of this tsuba definately took this into consideration. You can look sometimes and see that there was wear around the area, indicating that it was indeed mounted. When this area is too clean or the decoration pours into it, you should think it was made as a tourist piece, ie not meant to be mounted. I certainly don't get that impression. Enjoy the piece!
  6. I am sad to report that one person was correct (not naming names since I didn't ask permission) but it is indeed a dragon fly. I was seeing something that wasn't there. If you go back to the pic with the circle, the wings are the bottom of the insect (ie the head of the dragonfly ) and the tail is north of it, instead of me seeing something south of the wings. I had mantis on the brain. no surprise there! Still I read up on some tsuba makers which is always good. For me it always helps to have a piece to research instead of blindly looking at a book. It can be like ink blot tests psychologists use (can't spell the word that starts with an R). Thanks for the input and if anyone wants a better pic of the signature or the papers I will be happy to post.
  7. While looking through some of my stuff, I found this in a set of catalogs... exactly like yours. I had trouble getting the scan to be clear but tell me if you want me to try again - this was my 2nd attempt. I don't know what it says though. I cropped the matching fuchi/kashira to make it a bit more readable. Hope this helps.
  8. The Guys at Aoi speak English and I have always had good interactions with them. I am sure they will get back to you. If the sword has NBTHK papers then that is great, adds credibility to the sword. Aoi used to give their own kanteisho which usually just gave basic item information but they would laminate it. Not sure if they still do that, but that sounds like it would help you. Certainly sounds like you have to go through a few hoops to get a sword though. A shame, but I know Greece has restrictive antiquity laws given the age of the country and the artifacts in the country. I can understand neediing to control the flow of these precious items although I am sure they are intended more to protect Greece antiques as opposed to Japanese. I remember visiting Greece, there was a fort in Crete from around the 1500's- that was considered fairly new. lol. Anything A.D. is new, so many places/things are B.C. Everything is relative, I guess. Good luck.
  9. I will make the general comment that it might not be that pricey given that it is in a fresh new polish. That is the problem with getting a polish, you are looking at what at least $100 if not a $125 min per inch, minimum. So the cost of polish is most likely starting at $2k. Add another $500 for a new shirasaya, another $250 for a habaki, it can easily cost $3k to polish a sword. Since you can't tell as much as you would like in the photo it is hard to comment on this particular blade. That is the problem with getting a blade polished, it costs so much that is often not worth it. I would try and look at what is available in Japan for comparison just to see how it compares and see if perhaps there are some safer bets or if you can visit the blade first. Good luck.
  10. Would you describe the tsuba finnish as yakite (heat treated finnish)? Trying to figure out if this is a worthy piece to go after, expecially since I have no money!! but when does that stop me? lol. thanks, so far. From what I can tell he is an Owari metal worker -3 generations early to mid -edo. This might be 1st or 2nd generation. This might be different piece to have. hmmmm. Chime in with comments, please..
  11. whoops... you guys are such sticklers for detail... lol sorry about that. http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w39076813 thanks
  12. Thanks, I know it has some condition issues which is making it harder I assume. I have included a nice shakudo kozuka for some color comparison. Not sure if it helps.... Damn samurai drinking a coke around my fuchi kashira, must have been a Ronin. I really want to see the menuki and the backs, even if not a mantis. I think there is some decent work going on which it is hard to see with the wrap covering. Time will tell. Thanks.
  13. Hi all, I found and purchased this mounted fuchi/kashira finding it on yahoo.jp. love when I come across something in a general search. The menuki also seem to be decent. Now I normally don't like to do this but I am going to most likely take it apart. I know - I hate to break it apart but the fuchi Kashira is an unique piece for me and selfishly I could use the money for the menuki to reduce my costs, I don't have a lot of cash these days. I am thinking it is shibichi, but I was given an opinion of shakudo. It doesn't feel or look like shakudo to me, something I do have experience with in my collection. It looks grey or greenish to me more so than the pics may indicate- but color is a very hard thing for me, I am partially color blind. The fuchi has a nice pumpkin? or gourd or it a closed flower? It is about 2 mllimeters thick, sticks out enough to be big but not enough to be awkward. They seem to be pretty heavy in weight. any comments? I know the pics aren't the best. I like them regardless. Any school ideas? I am interested in seeing the menuki, they look grey to me as well and might be decent quality as well. I don't recall seeing a story on mantis and a pumpkin although, I could see it being a autumn theme? I just posted a general question on a tsuba that also is based on pumpkin- see under the auction comment section. Thoughts are appreciated. I really love finding different designs of my favorite insect. This is what the auction had to say: 『 柄前 』縁頭材質:上質の赤銅に金象嵌・蟷螂に植物図。目貫:上質の赤銅に金象嵌・人物図。『サイズ』 柄長:約20,5cm 頭:37,8×22,3×厚さ10,1mm 縁:32,8×16,5×4,5mm 中心サイズ 鍔元:24,7ミリ  中心先:13,7ミリ 元重:6,3ミリ   先重:4,25ミリ 目釘穴:縁元より29ミリ(センター) ※拵えから外しました。本物の柄前です。 ※画像の鍔は商品では有りません。
  14. Hi all, I came across this, it may make an unique addition to the collection. Can't see what the papers say - anyone have opinions on it? See the mantis in the upper right hand side. Not sure what to think of the hole and the mantis. Was it done before or after the mantis? Hard to read but is that Sadahiro? not sure which one - any general comments on it would be appreciated. What school does it look like? Thanks
  15. Self promotion but on my website has everyone read my mantis symbolism article? Just some research behind the theme if anyone is interested. http://www.freewebs.com/kamakiriken/symbolupload.htm Always welcome comments or something to add (or subtract). Thanks. But once again, Mantis are only cool for me... so send me your tired, your lonely mantis koshorie..... Maybe I will apply for charity status as a home for wayward mantid. ok I am sure you are all sick of the mantis solicitation. lol. I promise an update soon of some interesting pieces all around. Enjoy the Spring! (mantis are autumn insects)
  16. MANTID Rule!!!!!! But they may make ugly fittings- so send them to me :D
  17. I know this pic isn't great but I consider this shelf to be my akasaka style row. Would really love to have a person of knowledge come and evaluate all my pieces and compare and contrast. I have a feeling it would be a great learning opportunity to compare and contrast all my pieces and styles. Some in the photo haven't been posted yet to the site, I need to add a bunch in many categories. I have another sukashi shelf but that is more choshu/bushu and shoami.
  18. Ken doesn't mind! I learned a lesson or reminded myself that I need to pay attention more and not make a quick assessment. My neck has been out and I haven't been on the computer a lot. When I saw Shan's piece, I gave it a quick glance and wanted it. But I failed to look at it like I should of. I did compare it to the very similar modern piece that is out on yahoo.jp everyday and there was some difference in shape. I rushed to judgment without really looking.... a very dangerous way to proceed. Because my neck was in spasm, I was skipping steps and we all know what happens when you do that....you get buyer's remorse. The more I went down the path of discussion though, the more I started waking up. My subconscious was started to send up red flags on the piece before my mind caught up. I found myself at night thinking something isn't right. I read some feedback of the piece and then really compared it to my piece. I started thinking that the execution of this tsuba was inferior to mine and that with some other opinions really changed my desire for the item. I think the execution really didn't flow. When I looked at some of my other pieces which I would assume are later like tsuba 42 http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/k ... ntis42.jpg it still felt wrong. even when I looked at a piece where I think it is very crude tsuba 39 http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/k ... ntis39.jpg the design still felt off. One of the things I like about my piece and other supposed quality tsuba in my collection is that the steel/iron has a particular feel to it that inferior tsuba don't have. I make no claim that I have the expertise to assign or properly kantei a piece, but this thread really does highlight the need to "go hands on" with a piece. Pictures can lie too easily or distort. I don't discount being able to use the internet or a forum like this but on a questionable piece, you really need to be hands on. There are a lot of issues raised in this thread and it becomes a great learning tool. Talk of casting becomes interesting... if you look at my tsuba 2 and 16. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/k ... antis2.jpg http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/k ... ntis16.jpg These tsuba became a valuable learning tool for me on casting. One of the things learned was that cast tsuba are filed down but they miss spots. When comparing the 2 you can see how they finished them a bit differently. The first piece fooled a bunch and even in hand it wasn't immediately apparent. When you have the 2 in hand, you start to notice and once again that feel is missing from these pieces. I am curious about the age of these, I do wonder if they are older castings or are they late edo +. I did find the first one mounted on a wakizashi that looked like it had been together for a while but that can be fooled or even 50 years together I assume can give that feeling. All in all this so far has been a review of my collecting career and a big reminder, a quick glance is not acceptable. Make sure you take that 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc look! Many times I have done that, it seems the better pieces stand out and the poorer ones step down. I do get a gut feeling on some pieces that I may not be able to articulate like some of the more experienced collectors can do and that gut feeling isn't always wrong. It does amaze me that that little voice in the head can recognize things before I am really conscious of it. Anyway, I am starting to babble, Good learning thread and well you can't beat the subject matter! ok I am a bit biased. Thanks for everyone's input so far.
  19. Hi, I missed your original post and while I can understand your curiosity and it is always interesting to find something on your tsuba using a loupe (amazes me when you can see closely), I would still say this tsuba looks cast to my eye. the cutting of the leaves etc is just not crisp like you would expect with a chisel. it looks rounded as what would happen in a casting. Even on the seppa dai the uneveness of the metal could be indicative of air bubbles. Just because the tsuba was cast doesn't mean that carving would not be done. In fact, I learned by examining 2 exact tsuba that I have which were determined to be cast that there is a need to "clean up" edges. It was pointed out to me how on one tsuba an area was filed/ cleaned up while on the other it wasn't- they missed a spot. That lack of crispness in the detail still makes me question the piece as being cast. Just my uneducated opinion.
  20. John, Well ok we didn't solve it (I was hoping to tackle world peace after this) but the black color is a tip so some clue has emerged. Thanks.
  21. John et al, Following this line of thought, I held 4 tsuba together that I have. I see the black on one papered choshu tsuba. It is black. I am not so sure that this is black, it seems more brown and is papered to Hagi (one of Choshu's sub groups)- my tsuba #35. It is a very light and delicate piece. My tsuba 47 is brown but might have some condition issues so the color may have been affected by the life its lived. I always considered it Choshu based on the one above and some other similar guards I have seen labeled as choshu. Would you disagree? My tsuba #13 which has traveled around the world to get to me was sold as Choshu- (from my tsuba page narrative), a knowledgeable collector said this was a prime Choshu example but others have said Bushu. It is brown also. Wish I had a papered piece to Bushu to compare- any comments? If you want to read details on the tsuba go to my tsuba page http://www.freewebs.com/kamakiriken/tsubaupload.htm Would be nice to get to the bottom of this bushu/choshu assignment debate! Thanks. Ken
  22. I remember reading once that choshu was more apt to be the same on both sides and bushu is likely to be different on either side (I think I got that right). However, not sure I have actually seen that in actual application. Can't remember where I read that, but throwing that out there. Perhaps, saying if it is the same on both sides indicates Choshu.
  23. Rich, It is funny you say that, since I went through all those schools saying "that could fit" or I saw a similar piece in a book. I have 2 definite mainline line Akasaka and a few other most likely school work and the metal didn't seem to match so I eliminated that school. I guess that is where handling hundreds of each school comes in handy? (missing that part). It did start to make me crazy, wait that looks like it too, next page wait that is also similar..lol.....Well going to enjoy my Sunday, enjoy!
  24. Hey John, I appreciate your thoughts (right or wrong). I wish I was better with color and perhaps could say more about it although, I think the picture isnt too far off. I want to say it has a purplish look. It seems to be a heavy guard. I want to go koshoami but once again that "it is better than it is mentality" takes over. I have a shoami sukashi papered piece and this steel seems much darker in color and better all around. There is something about opening up a tsuba that has just arrived and it seems some of the better pieces just have a better feel to them. I just get that impression. I will have to just bring it to a person live one day. Either way, it is an unique piece and nice addition to my collection. I have been really lucky these past few months and have added some good pieces overall, maybe one day I will actually be able afford them! Thanks again all the best.
×
×
  • Create New...