Eric H

The Tsuba from Ko-Ji-Ho-Ten Eric

Far away from nostalgic, IMHO this book still maintains it's merits despite the later detected gimei-blades. As written in the "Preface" : ...in writing the section on blades, therefore, I have leaned heavily on the Japanese authorities, especially Honami Koson, Fujishiro Yoshio, and Homma Junji... The most comprehensive Japanese treatise on the whole subject (Nippon to Koza, 1935) runs to 25 volumes of 5,000 pages, and is the work of more then seven different authorities. In the rather more limited space at my disposal, therefore, my main problem has been to compress and to prune, but at the same time to avoid omitting anything essential. And for those who are willing to learn to write "Kanji's" there are in Appendix E "Tables of characters used in the names of swordsmiths and makers of sword-fittings" As can be seen in the pic my book has been used strongly. Eric

A great deal of meticulous study and time are dedicated to this elaborately essay. CHAPEAU Eric

Well, in the meantime I have always been waiting for an explanation by the more knowledgeable people relating to Tosogu generally and Tsuba specifically... Eric

Hi Marc, No skiing but otherwise relaxed Search in "Legend in Japanese art" and in "Ko-Ji-Ho-Ten" brought no results despite the hints, but it's easy to overlook something. A seven headed dragon does not exist whether in chinese nor Japanese mythology, only a eight-head one as in the previous story. Eric

I believe you are an experienced collector, how do you specify this hada in terms of Nihonto-hada ? This example has surely the exact explanation of this type of hada included. As everybody knows, Naotane mastered all styles, i.e Soshu, Bizen, Yamato and Mino of sword-smithing. Eric

So Tsutomu is a gendai-tosho with a great reputation, a most likely fake is now on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/J299-Japanese-Samur ... 283wt_1076 The O-Kogatana offered for sale here on the board gave the chance to compare the signatures. The mei on the Ebay Katana is poorly done and differs markedly from the shoshin ones. Eric

unusual in "tachi mei", would be interesting to see the whole nakago for better interpretation. Eric

Correction: should be 1'150 man Yen Eric

At first glance at this alleged Kunisuke shodai, an extremely wild hamon, uncommon for this smith leaps in the eyes. In fact there are swords made different from the masters normal style, they are called "kawari deki" or mutant. I assume a sword in the Juyo-status shows in all aspects a smith's characteristics. Herewith 3 pics from a Juyo Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke shodai, 76.65 cm, priced 1'350 man Yen ($ 128,000). Eric

Tricky my guess is : CHORYO threatened by the Dragon Eric

Ted and -tom The Wakizashi was sold by Aoi-Art. Raymond, we hope to see better photos of your sword for proper appreciation. Eric

just for fun: Kunitoshi or Enju ? Eric

Hi Raymond, In fact that Kodachi in rare shape was sold by Aoi. Interestingly the link to the Kunitoshi Wakizashi depict a boshi lacking the "ko-maru". Additionally another oshigata of a attributed Enju. Eric

As the boshi, ko-maru or o-maru, seems to be a crucial point for correct attribution to either Rai Kunitoshi or Enju...here some pics for consideration. The last two oshigata depict the same Enju Juyo pic 3. Eric

The pic at first, magnified by factor 3 together with the unnatural displayed dark hada and the accentuated spots has given cause for uncommon speculations, perhaps leading to wrong conclusions. The second pic in almost real dimensions is a better basis for survey, although the thickness of the mune is not specified. my four cents worth Eric

Generally speaking and also previously mentioned oriental Damascus-steel in some aspects differs notably from Japanese sword-steel. The pattern of Damascus-steel is produced by etching. Eric

Very first step, read Guido's article, highly recommended for everyone, I have just now done it again. COLLECTING NIHONTO - WHAT, HOW AND WHO? http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/arti ... ecting.pdf Eric

Masahide...there are various kinds of his signatures pattern with Kao or Kokuin (carved seal) and also different Nakago-jiri. That's exactly what I tried to show. Eric

For comparison Eric

Christie's 23 october : RESULTS http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/sear ... fde8e37186 Eric

Guido, Your expertise and knowledge will be badly missed. With many thanks and kind regards Eric

Agreed, Oei-Bizen is moreover known for a special kind of gunome in nioi deki and also for bo-utsuri and a typical boshi. I suppose the polish was not done in Japan, as otherwise the sword would have been submitted to shinsa. Anyway thanks for the excellent pictures. Eric

For additional information: http://www.ricecracker.com/ Articles & Info If you are resident of USA join a club, there are several, it's the best advice I can give you. Eric

All results http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.s ... leNo=17926 Eric