Bugyotsuji

While reading these posts I have to keep going back to check what the original question was. Now I am feeling that if you have extra cash, one should invest first and foremost in an old-age pension, ...and if you then still have extra cash, from selling the family silver etc., try not to spend it on wild parties and other stuff, otherwise your sword-purchasing options will be limited. Priorities.

Sounds like luck of the draw as you say Jeff. Once something flags up, it gets passed around for authorization but no-one knows what to do, and no one is willing to take responsibility for a decision. You have to keep asking, telling them clearly you have the money and you are willing to pay, (otherwise it could end up on a back shelf).

What is written on the blade is 豊臣秀吉 Toyotomi Hideyoshi, 1556(?)-1598, for whatever reason, though I am not sure what that first date refers to. As others have said above...

Did they stop using Osafune in their Mei? This is something I hadn't considered! Although there were serious floods during the 1500s, during which old Fukuoka Castle was swept away together with many smiths and their workshops, the Yoshii river itself even changing course, Osafune as a place for making swords has continued on to the present day. What I had heard was that when the traditional smiths were washed away, the Sukesada stepped in and finally gained ascendancy in the area. (Edit, thank you M for the explanatory link above, which I have just read.)

Interesting idea, Bruce.

https://www.e-sword.jp/wakisashi/1810-2005.htm Later (Taisho 10) Kanenori using a Kuyomon.

Superb article, Anthony. And you have set a tiny flint, ready to roll!

Anthony, welcome indeed! What a wonderful and unique collection! Thank you for sharing these. Each one was surely a Daimyo’s ‘must-have’ latest fashion accessory, a Netsuke with a utilitarian purpose, and a what a great talking point! Were they treasured in a special box, or worn and used as a lighter? I wonder whether there are any written records of their actual usage? That example is not just nice but gorgeous.

It describes the life of Fukushima Sensei, to whom the stand was presented.

Could it be upside down, Paris?

Colin, it was the remaining brown channels from the outside of the frilled antler base. The slight discolouration on the central plug underneath could be either from bone or antler, though. See them in this one too: (sadly no longer mine though)

Normally I do not think about blades that are gone, but now that you bring up the subject, there are several. Not actually sure now why I sold them. One was a papered Sue So-Shu tanto in red koshirae with matching shinchu fittings. Every yellow-green part, including the kozuka and wari-kogai was original to the piece, and each part bore the same Mon. I sold it at auction more out of curiosity to see what it would fetch, but it went for almost exactly what I bought it for, and I think it must have then gone over to China. All I gained from the liaison was the sweet memory. Would I ever find something similar again? Now you've got me wishing again that I still had it!

PS Be aware that two kanji are used in names for Taka-, the standard 高, and the non-standard 髙.

Susudake is funny stuff, and like toast, comes in various shades of burnt. It used to be very expensive some years ago. Perhaps as old farmhouses are getting knocked down there is now more on the market? If you do find examples at antiques fairs, etc., and wish to make your own, make sure to get bamboo with thick enough walls and joints from which to fashion suitably sturdy pegs.

The second is a Manju sukashi Netsuke, (sukashi is often called 'Ryusa' in the Netsuke collecting world), hollow and perforated in all directions, openwork. The theme seems to be Kikusui, chrysanthemums and river water, the legend of the Kiku-jido, the boy rejected by his lord, but who was forever faithful. Heavily stained, but under a magnifying glass the material is flecked, not an attribute of the purity of ivory, but more of antler and bone. Made from an antler seat or base. Relatively small in the hand, width 3.99 cm x height 1.48 cm. From top: Underside: