TETSUGENDO

Robin, so happy all worked out perfectly, Artur is a real treasure, fine work and efficient, the turnaround time was amazing. Bet he'll be busier from now on. Did you have to do much to fit the tsuba? Cheers, -S-

Bravo, everything is just as you had imagined it, the iron tsuba is perfect!, tsuka perfect, even those 'ruined menuki look perfect. I imagine your very pleased, did the tsuba differ greatly in weight, how did it effect the overall balance and feel? Cheers, -S-

Great idea Chris, as you've demonstrated in the past your certainly more than capable of carrying this through. Nice "little" holiday project indeed! Cheers, -S-

Jeremiah, Again, love the blade, hate the merchandising practices of many dealers. As for the tsuba, the issue of whether, when, if, or if not, does not concern me aesthetically, but it is of general interest, apparently, and begged discussion. I like it, and as they are seldom seen, they deserve the time expended in studying them. As for the taste issue, whether yeah or nay is not a factor here, unless your contemplating buying it...a little earnest study enhances our understanding. -S-

It's an optical illusion, examine the photos again carefully. The pine branches are catching the light where they meet a level change, and in the case of the area that butts the sekigane, it is probably lifted from its insertion...this is leading to your reading of flush inlay as RAISED decoration. Missing and lifting inlay is common in kaga-kinko works, you can see areas of missing inlays in the photos. -S-

Stephen, Examine the photos on the AOI website, the fan you reference does not cover the seppa-dai, nor does the one on the botton, everything in direct proximity is flush with it.....nothing prevents it from being used. Wether it was meant for use is besides the point, it was, as is demonstrated by the obvious seppa friction. The nakago-ana appears to have been altered several times. There are many kaga-kinko pieces that were intended to be mounted, as well as others that may not have been but were. -S-

Like many fine tsuba, they were treated as presentation pieces. But, Plenty, of kaga kinko was used, I've seen many swords mounted completely en suite. The tsuba in question was mounted, note the rubbing caused by a seppa, as noticed by Hamfish. -S-

The Motohiro is a very fine blade, but I find the 'SALES' koshirae cringeworthy. Calculated to achieve a package price, mediocre or worse Tosogu, is presented in the prettiest way possible. The, oh so, predictable cherry on top is the everpresent gold foil habaki. Personally, I think this distracts from the blade. -S-

Axel, Stephen, this piece may not be to your liking, but kaga kinko works do range from simple to this "kitchen sink" version. It is an unapologetically over the top showpiece, strictly speaking, restrained elegance and perfect taste is not the intent. Regardless, its hard not to appreciate the minute engraving and meticulous workmanship. Stephen, above is a simpler one for you. -S-

Peter, They suggest that you can wear their armour, in addition to displaying it......... the perfect outfit for wearing about town when you wish to be inconspicuous. ! -S-

Hi Rob, Not recommended, I understand the desire but, you are opening yourself up to any number of potential problems. Just spend sometime thinking on it, and I'm sure you'll come up with several offputting scenarios. If you want to enjoy naked blades, I suggest you have a plexiglas case made and add some desiccant. -S-

The Hazama tsuba is an absolute knockout, everyone should take a look! Thanks for posting it. -S-

Thanks for the photos, measurements and response Krystian. -S-

Krystian, If your planning on having someone work on this...DON'T clean anything! Much better pics, thanks. Its a promising looking piece, a couple of questions, is the rim part of the piece, or is it an applied fukurin? Also, could you please give us the dimensions? -S-

Compared to the potential profit the expense is pennies. -S-

Very entertaining John, this is one of the best delusional seller sagas I can recall, thanks I needed a laugh! Cheers, -S-

Hi Krystian, Henry is right in his reccomendation of Ford Hallam, this aesthetic is definitely one he is extremely well schooled in, he will know exactly how it should look. As I don't have access to all my reference material, I can't say if he is a direct associate of the school, if not he was heavily influenced by it. Your photos are not good enough to see the details of the nunome work, but many direct members of the school laid it down using a 'Y' shaped punch, if you can see this detail It could provide confirmation. It's a very nice piece in good condition, excepting some rust and a bit of unfortunate vandalism. -S-

Words to the wise Steve, and you picture's worth a thousand....a good cautionary tale! -S-

Jeremiah, The camera phones are very good today, there are many cameras apps available, try them on till you find a good fit. Although most likely, your phone is capable enough for your needs, with the addition of a tripod and adequate lighting you should get good results. The importance of enought light can not be overemphasized. -S- p.s.-start using it now, the sooner you get into it, the more prepared you'll be for your important photo shoot. BTW, YouTube has lots of suggestions for good camera apps.

That was fast Robin, the green tsuka-Ito was a great choice. I don't think the F/K is a big issue, afterall, it's a working sword. Guess it will be a bit of a wait till it all comes together...we'll just have to be patient! -S-

Brian, No further response from me, if you'll notice I've ended it. -S-

One valuable thing I learned over the years...to decline playing 'Table tennis/ping-pong' with fools. With your attitude, you'll soon find playmates hard to come by. Fini, -S-

Looking great Robin! -S-

Alex, I couldn't care less about papers, anyone on the board who has personally corresponded with me knows I don't personally feel a need for them. But, as we live in a time where the marketplace overwhelmingly demands them , I reccomend them to anyone considering a large purchase. Also, when someone makes a rather unusual attribution, they should be prepared to produce reasonable verification. And yes, no not everything is Mito, but they did produce an enormous volume of works in innumerable styles. No reason to drop civility because you find yourself with your knickers down. Perhaps, you misspoke, or suffered some momentary confusion......we ALL make mistakes, no reason for rudeness. -S- p.s.-In the future, keep your condescending emoji to yourself.

If these are not papered or otherwise attested to from a reliable source, they are meaningless. What are the particulars, BTW, your third example has been recently 'refurbished', just look at that slovenly re-gilding work. Some independent artist is much more likely, but you didn't initially say that. A lot of these things are simply late Mito works. -S-