elliottshogun

Morita san, Thank you so much. I will save this picture and use it on the web page I have made. FABULOUS! Elliott

I have been coresponding with this appraisal group. Here's what I found..... NTK - Nihon Tosogu Kenkyukai - appraiser for tosogu is Makio Saruta who also wrote book TOSOGU no BI, Fine Japanese Sword Fittings: MENUKI, 1994. JTK - Juho Token Kenkyukai - appraiser for blades is Kobayashi Yukinobu. I will continue to research this group. Elliott

Andrew, My preference is 'papered' Koto era blades. I own only one Shinshinto era tanto because I just couldn't say "No". Elliott

Just passing on what I have learned........... Takahashi Kinai is tsuba maker. Nihon Tosougu Kenkyukai appraiser is Makio Saruta (this name rings a bell). Juho Token Kenkyukai appraiser is Kobayashi Yukinobu. Elliott

Tom, I will say it as you wrote it. Very good! Elliott

"A Kami!" That will give my little description of Fukunaga sensei some spunk. I will put the web page up tomorrow afternoon............... "The difference between 'living' and 'dying' is in the timing" Elliott

Here is the beginning of the small, paragraph that I would use to describe Fukunaga sensei in my description of his origami: -Fukunaga Suiken is an expert in sword appraisal and authored many “major” works, some being the most advanced appraisal manuals in Japan. Fukunaga sensei was known for his appraisals and doing some sayagaki and was very active in many of the sword groups including the NTHK under Yoshikawa sensei as well as the NBTHK. He has in recent years re-joined the NTHK as a Emeritus advisor.- Edit as you want, make changes, add text, and I will accept the end result. And of course, "Thank you". Elliott

Chris, I will keep an eye on this conversation as I agree with you and have a papered blade in shirasaya. I would like only the mei put on the shirasaya as the shirasaya is new. Elliott

Tom, I would use whatever you told me to use - I want to describe his associations with appraisal groups and doing kantei on his own. I would combine what you and Chris have expressed to me here. I will use the photo of one of his 'certificates' and explain the columns of kanji as I have done on the others. One of the advantages of his certificates is the English translation. I will compose what I want to use and send it to you via email, or do you want me to use the message board?

If no one minds, I will use this information in a new addition to my web site - I am adding a page to describe the various appraisals that I have seen and have possession of. I don't have any origami of Fukunaga sensei but I have an image which I will use as an example of what he gave as a certificate. Thank you.

Thank you Chris, as you suggest I will search for his books. Does Fukunaga san still do kantei's?

I understand.....................Thanks Tom

I know that Fukunaga Suiken was an expert in sword appraisal and authored one of the most advanced appraisal manuals in Japan. That's all I know. Can anyone tell me more about him, the title of his book(s) and the history of his shinsa group?

I never thought about the name that way, do you suppose the NTHK, NBTHK, NTK and NTB all had at least one appraiser with the name Takahashi? I found what I was looking for and I will suggest a new topic. Thank you all. Elliott

What I have learned.............. Kajihara Kotoken is the name. I believe they (Kajihara's) are polishing swords in Kyushu, Japan. Can anybody verify this?

So what you are saying is that you are not familiar with the name in regards to any 'appraisal' organizations ie; NBTHK, NTHK, NTK, etc.?

Why is the name 'Takahashi' familiar to me? Is he a member of the NTK appraisal group for tosogu and nihonto?

Were there others in his appraisal group or was he by himself?

Tell me more.........What book did he write? Was/Is he living in Kyushu,Japan?

I want to learn about Kotoken Kagihara; are they still issueing paper? Do they have a website? I believe John Yumoto used to do all of his polishing services thru them. If I had an address in Japan, I would write or call if I had a phone number. That may not work as I speak no Japanese. Anyone got any ideas? Thank you. Elliott