TETSUGENDO

School ofTanaka Toryusai, never. Ichiguro, improbable. These appear to be late, mediocre work. Perhaps I'm missing something here, please, enlighten me. I'd love to see some exemplars that support your attributions. -S-

I enjoyed it, interesting variation based on traditional Bunraku puppet theatre. -S-

Lots of fine things, still many excellent values available! -S-

Chris, Lots of sound advice, assembling a koshirae with tsunagi should satisfy your desire to see things mounted. But, contrary to your feelings, the best place to keep valuable pieces is safely tucked away in properly constructed storage boxes...simple handling can negatively impact their condition. -S-

Repoussé, rarely with a bit of chasing. -S-

David, No 'personal' attacks David, just stating facts. Brian's statement says it all.

So the one in the video was not properly adjusted. Thanks for the info Ken, in that case I'll begin a fund to purchase one, with my accumulated pocket change I should have the means in no time. -S-

David, Again, everyone here has nothing but good intentions, their desire is to assist and educate you and this community. You, of course, have the freedom to ignore factual advice......so you present faux facts which support comments that have no foundation instead . All the protestations on Earth will not turn a Sow's ear into a silk purse. "Case is now closed time to move on", clearly we , as Sisyphus, are destined to repeat this scenario for all of eternity. -S-

Isn't that always the case Peter, excluding the rare exceptions, that's been my experience. -S-

The only difference is essentially related to coloring and signature, what confuses perception is the textured rim and ocassional slip up on the gilding, otherwise they are virtual twins. -S-

I hope that in time he will realize that everyone is here to help. None of us takes pleasure in delivering negative news, but it is something that must be done when necessary. We could of course refrain from comment altogether, but that does a disservice to us all. -S-

All joking aside, it looks like something that would add to the problem, not solve it. Looks to me like it would mask things by etching the surface and unnecessarily soften the geometry...leading to more metal loss, not less. Would be nice if someone familiar with these devices would weigh in, it would save us the speculation. -S-

The "true source" is not known, and it is unlikely that it will be, makes one wonder who owns and/or had access to the original....I suspect the answer would be unsettling. -S-

I've already ordered one, damn the cost, there are few things worse than a dull and rusty nakago. Now I can finally put all that exhausting sanding and grinding behind me. -S-

Well that explains why the alleged 'real' piece is so unsatisfying, I made the mistake of assuming it was genuine....we all know what they say about that. On close inspection it is a fake also, the evidence is everywhere. The genuine piece would be extremely expensive, and desirable, there would be no reason to sell it under the circumstances we find here. Apparently, more of both versions should be popping up in the future. -S-

This article is not a start to finish traditionally made piece, it is akin to the seemingly endless late serpent tsuba. Certainty, late serpent tsuba exist that are traditionally made, but most are not. This piece is a not. As far as Ford's seppa comment....everyone would be better served by looking and seeing, than they would be by asking. This is a decorative confection and not a tsuba.....or Art. -S-

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Krystian, It's a very attractive set, in a New Year motif but, unfortunately, IMO it is not the work of Konkwon. It is lacking that easy flow of hand and unbroken rhythm that is the hall mark of artists of his level, there are too many small stumbles and awkward moments here. Don't misunderstand, this is a nicely made thing, just not a masterwork. As from your introductory statement, I don't think you had unrealistic expectations, and I don't believe you paid a kings ransom. Enjoy it, although not the original, it's a nice example of the Iwamoto school style. -S-

To reprise, sensitive and beautifully executed work, and the videography is excellent, can't wait to see what Ford has comming! -S-

The quality is hard to ignore, Robert. While your checking things out, spend some time on the menuki. I know this is a Tosogu topic, but I bet everyone would appreciate some shots of the blade.....just to give us the whole picture. Cheers, -S-

Robert, that is a beautiful Tanto, in good state of preservation, nice lacquer work and a lovely set of menuki....they look very promising. As for your kozuka, my comments were made looking at what it looked like before times gentle caresses. As I said there are lots of strong similarities, with some distinct differences, before you relegate it to the ko kinko bin, check it out further. Cheers, -S-

Hi Robert, I think this perspective makes comparison easier, you piece has a more curvaceous form, and you will note that the fin shapes are quite different, I like yours better. In contrast the Goto piece is much more lump-ish and compact. There are both great similarities, and notable differences...so I'll straddle the fence. Perhaps another generation of Goto, or not Goto at all, a lot of research needs to be done to answer you query. Best, -S-

Yes Robert, it is an obvious bit of satire, but I believe its more of the common mans disdain for the ruling classes, and the pleasure derived by the fact that almost everyone answers to a higher authority...see how they scamper like rats. The 'joke's is much too obvious for a member of the higher classes to exhibit, and the style of the work inappropriate for use by them. -S-

Looks like for a later style Naginata, and possibly a large Yoroi dōshi, perhaps? To the point, everyone has given sound advice, altering it will not change its identity, it is what it is. No reason to invest time and money for an inevitable outcome, as many have said.....simply enjoy it for the attractive and interesting qualities it has. -S- p.s.-BTW, the design depicts alternate attendance (SANKIN KŌTAI) which required the daimyō to move from their fiefdom to Edo on alternate years, these processions were known as 'Daimyō-Gyōretsu'. They also had to leave their wives and heirs in Edo as hostages while they were away. The costly processions, expense of lavish dual residences, and the captivity of their wives and heirs, made them very unlikely to wage war against the Shogun.

Piers, let's hope he lands here and brings news on this perplexing signature. -S-