Fuuten

That's a pretty good read. Thank you for sharing. I'll have to read up on mekugi-ana to add anything of value. And I had the same difficulty as Barry (though to to read I always select the text to make it more visible - avoiding having to change themes or addon). On the subject though, opening the file was so bright! I haven't found a good way to darkmode pdfs in a way that it doesn't cause issues.

Thanks for sharing and congratulations! If I reach the age of 80 (or thereabouts), I hope to have had an experience like this. A modicum of confirmation that; you didn't just read over the words or stared blindly

Though I don't have a set of Hawley newletters anymore -I remember a number of articles on historical records of gifts between those in power and those under set command (which works were gifted and reasoning behind which smiths and/or works were acceptable as a gifts). If you are interested I think I made an index (for the 3 volume set), I'm sure someone could look it up.

That's a lovely koshirae, especially the lacquer work, I think it is a little busy but definitely not a common style. Does it have any papers? And could you (if you have them), add the dimensions? Thank you!

Those feathery headdresses are just as impressive and memberable as when I was a young kid! 💭🦅

I got the paywall but vpn + private window and some fiddling, I got around it. For ease of access see attached🙏 Japanese armour gifted to royalty survives for 400 years - thank.pdf

Definitely Kyoto and Tokyo national museum!

Don't tempt fate Brian! This tart is airborne! Sadly I'm neck deep in debt.

Interesting koshirae for sure. I for one have never seen something like this but am always intrigued by cloisonne works (especially Hirata tsuba). Some unrequested advice - I would suggest expanding the listing here on the board with additional photos and or information to up the success rate.

Wow, the title is absolutely spot on! Lovely items and especially the mitokoromono seems like a great deal (read: airborne tart)! Good luck with your sale though I'm sure you won't need it. Great post.

Different blade but somewhat of the same category. This is what I thought of reading op. Falling Snow

Epic sugata, and I would think - still in an appreciable polish (unless it's actively rusting). Why do anything? 👌

Interesting and informational. Very cool mekugi-nuki tool too, at first I though that was literally part of the tang which would be neat too but less structurally sound I suppose. Thanks for the link.

I used to have a very nice tsuba in the same design that was covered by the remains black lacquer. I hope this is a different one

Good evening, From an auction with pottery to Japanese whiskies I was lead to the following announcement. I mainly wanted to share because of a huge nagamaki by Hirokane (5th or 6th from the top), with juyo kashirae. A terrifying weapon for sure. In the simplest terms (and most convenient definitions😂). It sort of looks like a tachi atop a naginata atop a top a handle https://www.christies.com/en/auction/Japanese-and-korean-art-20991-nyr/Viewing room

I see. Thank you for clarifying. It is a satisfying thought to think that. Dreams sometimes come true (like that lost Norishige - total fairy-tale)

The video has been changed to private, sadly as I'm late to the party Was it worth seeing?

Very cool, a steal really!

For what it's worth, see if it floats or sinks. My guess would be bone or born as ivory has that characteristic pattern that should be fairly clear.

Regardless of the material it turns out to be, that stack of monkeys is quite something! 👏 Thank you for sharing.

Regarding the first video, though I agree with some of the statements above, I think the (main), giveaway is that Japanese tempering seems to be more subdued and natural. Depending heavily on the angle of which it is observed. The video focusses heavily on the (overly), hard lines. What would be hadori work? I don't know. As stated videos and photos aren't the best but far from 'inadequate' in terms of being useful learning tools on the subject. A single 10 second shot in a video or one photo will always give a warped presentation. Even more so when what is being shows is something as unique, complicated and illusive as a mirage. For instance on Aoi, the fact they give you the static sugata, shots under lighting and nearly always of 1, at times 2 sided oshigata - that is quite valuable and a good way to understand what it is we're trying to correctly observe and/or assess. So mostly yes, best would be living in TNM😃 but falling short of that possibility, what is already available to online is IMO pretty good as a start 👍

For OP to add a little on the why. In regards to length. The longer a work the more difficult it is for the smith to control forging conditions and thus be able to make flawless blades. On ubu nagako, part of the reason is that many swords have had their form changed in order to meet changing fighting conditions. Mainly for swords forged after the start of the Edo period, this practice of shortening swords happens less frequently but besides having say an original painting or a restored cutout of a famous painting, one would rather see it as intended by the painter (or smith in this case). One of the things I always have a hard time with is to imagine/ reconstruct what a suriage sword would've looked like when made, regardless of whether or not the current shape is pleasing.

Love the one by Tsuneyuki - 5. Any chance of some extra photos? And number 9 looks real curious too. Good luck with the sale!

What about assassination? Weren't those type of sneak attacks the reason for that squeaking floor to be devised? (iirc; nightingale floor). And only lightly related but yesterday or the day before, 8 happened to glance the latest members area and saw that a new member joined the board under the tagname ninja. I thought that was surprising as I would've guessed (after 6000+ registrations), I would've bet on it being amongst the first to be used/claimed. 🌃🌌 🏃💨

Dear Piers, Apologies for the delayed response! Looks like a nice vase, I like the decorations of insects. The snail is doomed!😂 The bands on the top and bottom are quite elaborately painted as well. My guess would be either from Kyoto and surrounding lands or Kutani ware. I actually went through my reference archive for the signature but no obvious match. If I find out I'll add it later. Regarding repair, as it is a vase and not something you put your lips to, I'd go with doing it yourself. Also on the rim is easily accessed so you can always try again should it not work out. Doesn't necessarily have to be done in conjunction with lacquer ware either, though generally that is what people prefer as it is the way it's been done since the invention of kintsugi. Though in tensile strength and finish, one could accomplish the same with a two component glue. Let me know what comes of it!