Kanenaga

Shinogi-zukuri

Here's another with features similar to my new one: thin plate with blurry hi-relief images, and the distinctive worm-eaten rim (borrowed from a website for educational purpose). Are we to think these were made by the same craftsmen who made Curran's? Seems unlikely, they are so different. Are these older or younger? Copyright Elliott Long

Yes, thanks Tim. You've helped educate this small focussed group of tsuba collectors.

... and the translation?

Took another photo of my new addition, brings out the figures more clearly. I can make out seated sages (?) at 5:00 and 8:00, a fox at 6:00, kikumon at the top, perhaps a genie figure in profile at 11:00. I cannot identify the figure at 1:00. These early tsuba are not seen very often, and I've found very little written about them (in English). There was one other at DTI, asking 1M yen. They are bronze castings, and the designs tend to be crude compared to the contemporaneous mirrors, which leads some to argue that they were likely not made by mirror-makers as the name implies. There have been prior discussions on this forum in the 2010-15 time frame, several started by Marius.

Bookseller said he thought the translation came with the book, but in this particular case it seemed to have fallen out. That suggests that anyone who has the book is entitled to the translation. Plus what Brian said.

So different...

Here's the tsuba. It doesn't photograph well, if I had time I'd enhance the images. I particularly like the "rotten wood" design on the rim.

I acquired a kagamishi tsuba at DTI last month, have ordered a copy of Sasano-sensei's little book on these guards. I understand there exists an unofficial translation of this book, if anyone can point me to a copy of the translation it would be much appreciated.

FWIW, recent Juyo zufu no longer use the chu-Aoe/sue-Aoe terminology. Only ko-Aoe and Aoe.

The gold tier seems to be working, I would be ok to see multiple donation tiers. Like the gold tier, but add platinum and diamond, perhaps 2x and 3x? This forum is for a community that collects expensive things, some high-end collectors lurk, many (some) would be ok to donate more. Tier badges would be a constant reminder and encouragement to donate, even without a quid-pro-quo, and hopefully with less need for periodic pleas. Might be not too difficult administratively (actually, I know nothing about managing a forum like this one, but I'm sure it's more work than most of us realize).

As Jussi and others have noted, there is a wide range of Aoe craftsmanship, some swords are rather plain. Tanobe-sensei says #5 is an outstanding example of Nanbokucho Aoe, with dan utsuri. And yes, this blade was in the Aoe display at the SF show.

Add in one more? #5 ? Same vendor, same photographer. 74.2 cm.

"This is a hobby; it's supposed to be fun!" Ralph Bell, RIP

Here is the beginning layout out of the Aoe display at the SF show, prior to the actual hands-on viewing. There were 6 daito, 1 wakizashi, and 2 tanto. The sword committee seriously underestimated the attraction of the display. More than 100 people attended over 2 hours, 50 handouts disappeared early and so did other supplies. Kudos to the NBTHK-AB and the NCJSC.

Thank you for this scholarly gift. You are carrying on Darcy's tradition.

IMHO, if it's continuous with the boshi, and looks to be hardened like the hamon, I'd probably call it an extreme kaeri.

I brought a full-length Tensho koshirae back from Tokyo. Got a heavy-duty cardboard cylinder from HANDS (fabulous hardware store in Shinjuku area, they have different lengths and diameters) packed it with popcorn (they have this too) and newspaper, checked it in with the luggage. Arrived safe.

Robert Hughes works with a koshirae-maker who seems to do good work. keichodo@yahoo.com

Oh rats! (From an old thread)

It's my impression that a high proportion of Kamakura-period tanto have mitsumune, perhaps for the reasons mentioned above, or perhaps it was a fashion of the time. Also, I am aware of a Nanbokucho period Aoe daito with marumune. Come to the SF show in August and you can see it (and its friends) for yourself in hand.

New Year revelers?

Please excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is a kiridashi?

IMHO this was the greatest exhibition of nihonto ever, with more than 20 national treasures (kokuho) on display, and many "lesser" items. The Atsu Toshiro and the Nakigitsune were there, two of my all-time favorites. Those who were fortunate enough to see this in person will not soon forget the experience. Some friends and I were treated to a tour by Ogawa sensei -- lucky us. Thank you, Rayhan, for this and for the other great items you have shared.

One more by Naruki Issei.