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Japan2112

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  1. Nice website with interesting items and books. Congratulations, Steve.
  2. Probably well discussed already, but I wanted to give a positive update on a tsuba that was shipped to me from Tokyo on December 28 via Fedex. It arrived here in the US (Florida) in 3 days, just an hour past it's estimated arrival time. Here are some helpful hints: 1. Be sure your contact info (phone, or email) is on the shipping address. Fed ex used it to contact me ahead of arrival at customs. 2. If merchandise value is above $2500. Fedex will ask you to complete a CPD 5106 document with your EIN or SS# - a registration via docusign. 3. Although the seller had stated "antique over 100 years old" Fedex has an Antiques Declaration Form" asking for a). a "circa" i.e. 17th c... and b). whether for resale or personal use. They also ask for confirmation of material (to make sure no ray skin, ivory...). Otherwise it's off to the Dept. of Wildlife at a big cost (A friend was billed $165. upon arrival for his tsuka examination) 4. Once Fedex has your email or phone they communicate fast, and have 24/7 communications in place to back up their agents' schedule. 5. Fedex had text'd me delivery updates, eliminating the need for me to inquiry tracking. There you have it. You have to be prompt in your response as once Fedex contacts you as your item is less than 24 hours away from US customs, and Fedex's goal is to pre clear your item. I also can confirm that this fast shipping was not an anomaly. A friend has confirmed similar lead times. BTW I understand that Fedex will not ship swords out of Japan, and UPS has had a number of cost and delivery issues. Best, Mark
  3. Hanging it in my Florida screened porch it is. Thanks again, all.
  4. Thank you, all. It has been recommended to try some options out on an old penny... good advise
  5. ha ha. It's not that far gone.
  6. Hi all, I have an iron tsuba that had been overcleaned. The iron, not so bad, but the sekigane is bright and clean. I plan to hang it in my outdoor screened porch for sun and weather to patinate. I expect that this will get it done in a month or two. Does anyone have experience with any way to enhance this process? I wouldn't mind the sukashi or iron itself to age a little. Thanks all, Mark C.
  7. Thank you, everyone. I have placed a fittings order.
  8. Excellent and thank you, Michael and Christopher!.
  9. Good day, friends. Does anyone have any comments on this sword dealer? So far, communications are terrific, but I have not made a purchase yet. Thank you for your feedback. Mark C.
  10. JT, Thanks for sharing your plight as a heads up to the rest of us. Aoi Art had told me a few weeks ago that they are shipping swords UPS and fittings Fed ex. I can vouch for the fast fittings delivery, but I have head similar issues to yours with swords. Bear in mind that Mr Tsuruta has a few people working for him and each employee has a different ability in communicating in English. Hope it all works out. Mark
  11. That's a super tsuba. While Heianjo tsuba often seem "plain" to me, this one is very nice, in its iron, inlay, and design. The price seems right to market.
  12. Very handsome sugata and I like that kissaki. I do not think Hizen Shinto, though.
  13. Definitely not "picture books", but super informative resources. My books do not have the "checkered" problem, so must be a local printing source issue. Mine were printed in the USA.
  14. Very nice blades, those Omiya. My fav is Morishige for his hamon exuberence but Morokage and Morikage are great too.
  15. Godai (Akasaka) Tadatoki is known for a similar orientation of his hitsu ana sometimes appearing in his work. I understand that to be a kantei point for him. Your tsuba looks Kyo Shoami, but could it also be Echizen?
  16. Thank you gentlemen, The Tokei is now off the market and the others are SOLD. Mark
  17. Owari Tokei reduced to $350. (+ fees and shipping).
  18. #1Akaska, #3 Yamakichibei, #4 Onin are SOLD. #2 Owari Tokei - additional photos included. I should note that this tsuba's image is published as part of a grouping in the 2006 2nd Kokusai Tosugu Kai International Convention and Exhibition Catalog pp 91 bottom row 2nd from right. Informative article on Ikenie tsuba.
  19. Here is another pic of the #1 Akasaka giving a good view of its iron and color. On hold. Anyone interested in the Owari Tokei?
  20. #3 Yamakichibei waiting payment - on hold for now, but thank you for asking.
  21. Japan2112

    A new Tsuba

    Sorry, I originally read 6.5 mm thick. If it is 3.5 mm thick then earlier (ko) tosho is possible. In Edo era the tosho tsuba began to thicken. The remainder of my kantei holds, so perhaps early Edo.
  22. Hi Richard, I think Adam said it best, an Autumnal association with flora and fauna. Here is a description found in the study of Akasaka motifs" "The motif of this tsuba is autumnal flora and crickets combining to represent the Musashino. The elements of the grass and cricket fuse into an abstracted depiction of a pleasant autumnal scene:" Maybe this helps. BTW here is the tsuba this is referring to Best Regards, Mark
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