DirkO

https://www.iganinja.jp/?page_id=837 it exists, although just a tourist trap

Talked to him about swords once, he came up with a sword that I knew was for sale in Japan and offered it to me for 50% more. Never bothered after that.

Worked with him on several occasions. He never disappoints and goes the extra mile. He's an institute and can't be thanked enough for what he has done and is still doing for the western collecting community.

stylised usubata? they come in all shapes and sizes

Tsunenao, first name „Kyūbei“ (久兵衛), was a student of Nagatsune. He originally came from Takatsuki (高槻), in Settsu province. Haynes lists this kinkō artist as the same person as Sadanaka (貞中) but the „Tōsō-kodōgu-kōza“ lists the latter as an individual craftsman without any reference to Tsunenao. In a document which is based on the records of Nagatsune we find the entry „Tsunenao, student of Nagatsune“, followed by two similar but differently sized kaō. Incidentally, it has to be mentioned that in contrast to the Edo kinkō schools like the Hamano, Nara or Yokoya, the Kyōto-based schools did not in general allow their students to use the original family name which was handed-down in the lineage of the eldest son. (extract from Markus Sesko's Toso Kinko translation)

I have the "Sources of Japanese Tradition" books - quite in depth and based on various old sources. Sources of Japanese Tradition

Regarding the habaki, they do pop up from time to time, but uncommon to say the least. I have this one on file - by Funada Ikkin (Hozon papers) - so a work of art in it's own right (but used for mounting nonetheless)

Just a friendly reminder for all NBTHK members to keep filling out these online kantei - I almost forgot this month! https://www.touken.or.jp/english/nbthk/swordjournal_October.html

By the looks of it, this samegawa has never been mounted. I've seen a few with writing on the back like this one, usually information about the actual samegawa, although this one does seem quite elaborate.

Being on a kiseru doesn't stop them from getting papers. I've seen kiseru with NBTHK papers. However, if they aren't original to the piece, it's maybe better to try and remove them with as little as damage possible.

Bit late here - it's not gimei. It's published in Shinto Taikan + I was able to track down a very good match which is papered. However, they don't specify generation (rarely do for Mishina unless Kyotamba shodai). It was wrongly filed as 3rd gen Osaka Tamba on my PC - because it's not 3rd gen, too many clear differences in overall mei. This one does have the kikumon, which is a bit odd. There were a few Mishina smiths that moved from Kyoto to Osaka though. Further investigation needed.

Hey Piers - could you post a picture of the mei? I have amassed 100+ ref mei for Mishina work from all generations - so would like to see if I can find a good match. If it's not shodai, you have a very big chance that NBTHK will just confirm the mei.

https://www.thejapanesesword.com/contact.php https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejapanesesword/ I don't know if he does proxy bidding however, it's not listed as a service on his site at least.