Kanenaga

Kanayama?

Another take-home point may be that when Aoi-Art uses the phrase "transmitted as ..." it suggests that the attribution (in this case, to Aoe) is being questioned, tactfully. BTW, nice tachi koshirae with this sword. Late, but handsome.

I think Aoe is in Bitchu province, adjacent to Bizen. There are generational issues in Aoe Sadatsugu. Sesko lists two in 1184-1227, i.e., ko-Aoe, and three more later. The video would be more interesting if I understood spoken Japanese...

Dragon a frequent theme on Shimizu Jingo tsuba. Usually a vajra on the back (but that's another story). Likely 5th Jingo master

OK to tell us where you saw this?

So perhaps the punch marks were on the original model tsuba?

https://www.way-of-t...-to-tie-a-sageo.html

Hi Henry, The tanto is likely sue-Mino 16th century, the mounts younger of course but very "shibui." I particularly like the sageo. Overall a very handsome package! Consider bringing it to the next meeting of the NCJSC? Feb. 17 @ 12:30 at Japantown in SF. Les

There is also a large one on the other side, lower down toward the nakago.

FWIW, these signatures all look different to my non-expert eye.

The signature is still a bit problematic, but I must say I quite like this tsuba. It has a "presence" like some Kaneie tsuba.

I would ask the seller, who is well known on this board, to confirm that the dark streaks in the hamon are indeed "streaks" of oil or dirt or whatever, and not lamination openings, which if present would not necessarily disqualify the sword but might interfere with your enjoyment of it.

So my copy of Self & Hirose (Japanese Art Signatures) shows the kanji with the three boxes can be read "kazu". Not one that we encounter often in sword signatures.

I see a "crab-claw" in the last photo, so maybe a Sukesada ?

Good to keep in mind, though, that some artists used similar cut-outs in the nakago-ana, either for convenience or as a form of tagane-mei. 5th Jingo master

What Jean wrote from his deep valley. A genuine Kurihara Nobuhide sword could be worth significant money, so I wouldn't rush into anything that might damage your sword. Despite the well-intentioned opinions you will receive here, nothing is conclusive until the sword has been appraised for authenticity by an expert panel (shinsa), preferably the NBTHK in Tokyo. Proper restoration (polishing) and shinsa will require substantial investment of money and time, so I'd go slow and beware of recommended shortcuts. Check out Grey's guidelines on how to care for it, and "less is more" should be the mantra. My $0.02

Perhaps kanekazu ?

I just received a new tsuba, unboxed, but I can't fit it to any of my empty tsuba boxes because the center pillar (don't know the correct term) is too large to fit the nakago-ana. Does anyone know of a way to shrink that center support device without destroying the box? Les

For those interested in katanagake (sword stands/racks), the definitive (pretty much only) work is just hot off the press. https://en.galleryyouyou.com/product-page/西垣-works-of-kanshiro-nishigakiの複製 It's by Ito Mitsuru, who did the definitive books on Higo fittings, and like all his books it's full of gorgeous photos. In Japanese, but English translation is underway. And expensive, but the exchange rate now is very favorable. Les

Very fine work, and BTW love how you sign your mei.

Availability? Prices?

Asking on behalf of all of us who paid in advance for the full 5-volume set: May we be expecting to receive this soon? Les

Perhaps you could consider doing this in connection with the DTI in November, when many foreigners are already in Tokyo? Either before or after?

Dale, great similars, especially that first group. Thanks so much. So I'm gathering that perhaps there is no story, just a semi-standardized way of depicting Mongolian gaijin? But such a similar image from the Hamano and Mito makers -- and now mine, which happens to be signed Toshinaga, a very big name so it's likely gimei. Nevertheless, I'll have to send it over for shinsa, on the off chance.... Any other thoughts about the origin of this image?

Hello All, I generally do not collect anything smaller than a tsuba, but I found this kozuka at a recent antique fair and "rescued" it from the dealer who had only the vaguest idea what it was. I need some help with the theme. It seems to show a man in fancy dress blowing a trumpet-like horn, with a small dog-like creature at his feet. Apologies for the blurry, off-color, handheld iPhone photo, but hopefully you get the idea. Can anyone identify the story or legend being referenced? All suggestions appreciated. Les