Keiji

Hello everyone, I also wanted to share with you my result at the last NBSK contest. Last year, at my first participation, I received the “Kasaku” (佳作) award and it was a great honor for me, as well as seeing my work exhibited first at the Tetsu Museum in Sakaki machi (Nagano) and then at the Meiji Jingu in Tokyo. The results were published in last days, and I can proudly say that I have confirmed the Kasaku award for the second consecutive year, in a context where the level is extremely high and the pursuit of perfection is constant. This year, I decided to raise the bar with a more elaborate work and a more challenging execution technique: from the choice of an “archaic” hitatsura hamon, complex and highly dynamic, to the realization process itself, which led me to a nearly three-dimensional result. I worked in multiple layers, with different dilutions, using brushes and a shodō ink stick, following the teachings I received during my last trip to Japan and after countless hours of experimentation to find a balance that satisfied me. It was a process with no margin for correction. There are some imperfections but that's okay, we have to know how to accept them. It was a long process—a true pursuit of perfection—almost a form of active meditation in which time seems to lose its meaning. The choice of the kakemono (made in Japan), too, was not accidental: on the shirasaya there is an old label bearing the name of the blade, “Amanokawa” — the Milky Way — likely inspired by the long sunagashi and the brilliant nie that characterize it. For this reason, we chose a display that would evoke, even if only from afar, a starry sky. Below I leave you some photos, and thank you for your attention.

I wanted to point out that the two blades on the right are from the Enju school.

I was very lucky to get a second copy of the rare book “Ise no Tōkō” by Satō Kanzan, N.B.T.H.K. Mie Branch, from 1963. The most complete official text on Muramasa and his school. It is in good condition as shown in the photos. This is the best collection of blades (photo and oshigata) from the Ise province, roughly divided by period. The various hypotheses of Muramasa genealogy and the details of the signatures of each generation are also explored. The text is in Japanese. A book absolutely recommended for comparison, given the many gimei works "out there for sale". I am selling it for €350 + paypal cost + shipping costs. For questions or further details I remain at your disposal, thank you. Francesco

Hi Nick, I'm sorry that I wasn't able to come this year for work reasons, I tried to contribute as much as possible with the slides for the lecture about the Uda school. I hope to see you soon!

I agree with Jussi's words, it's always an excellent opportunity to study, as well as for "hassle-free" purchases after live viewing, and of course to meet experts and friends. Unfortunately I too will not be able to be present this year for work reasons, but the our Italian association for the Japanese sword I.N.T.K. will hold a lecture on Saturday. This is a report from the previous edition: http://www.intk-toke...an-art-expo-2023-nl/

More info here: https://www.totsu-tr...LLuw&mibextid=xfxF2i

I was pleased to meet some of you for the first time at DTI. Thank you :-)

Finally online our article on the Japan Art Expo 2023: http://www.intk-toke...an-art-expo-2023-nl/ These have been two very intense days, full of meetings, study opportunities and, of course, purchases! We hope that with this year we have built the foundations for greater sharing not only between simple enthusiasts, but also at association level. Thanks again to everyone.

In hand this tsuba is even more beautiful than in the photo. Congratulations again Manuel! 😁

Always nice to see friends with common passions and share experiences. It was also a pleasure to finally meet 'pen pals'. Thank you very much to everyone and especially to the organisers 😊

It will be nice and certainly interesting to participate in this new edition and thus be able to meet friends. We will be about ten enthusiasts coming up from Italy, see you soon! This is the article about the latest edition: http://www.intk-token.it/samurai-art-expo-2018/

Another sad loss for our community, I met him during a conference at the Japanese Art Museum in Venice and met again during the last edition of the expo in Utrecht. He was a really nice person, humble and sought respect for the tradition of Japanese sword art.

We held the live meeting of our Italian association last Saturday, I took the opportunity to promote the event and show photos and videos from the past edition. There are several people interested, while others will be on vacation given the period. So some have bought tickets, while some have had problems through the site and have not succeeded.

I also gave my support to the campaign for 3 days. In my opinion, the last edition was a success, an excellent opportunity for purchases and learning. For those who missed this, a report we wrote on the website of the Italian association I.N.T.K.: http://www.intk-token.it/samurai-art-expo-2018/ I would be really happy to be able to meet again many friends who love Tōken Bijutsu.