RichardP

Fascinating discussion. Does mei removal also occur with non-sword objects that receive papers, like tosogu? Having a signature / kao back-filled or chiseled off a seppa-dai in pursuit of papers seems unthinkable, but does it occur in these fields as well?

My internet search for “broken nihonto” just revealed an overlooked meibutsu. Named “Broken Wind” (presumably for its deadly ability to clear everyone out of the room), this venerable sword is currently in possession of the Chinatown Antiquer.

Ware? (just kidding)

Shimada Yoshisuke (nidai):

Mr. Tirado just made me a gold-foil habaki, and I couldn’t be happier:

1) Sugata Wide and Long 2) Kitae Hada ____ Itame ____ Forged? Jigane? 3) Hamon ________ Gunome Midare ____ Yaki(ire?) 4) Hataraki Nie? Sunagashi ___ Kinsuji___ 5) Impression ___ Muramasa ______________________ (“A lively and excellent product with a sense of Muramasa’s temperament” — Google Tanslate)

Thank you so much, Jan and Moriyama-san!

Hello All— I recently purchased a Shimada Yoshisuke tanto in shirasaya from Aoi. They were kind enough to agree to approach Tanobe-sensei on my behalf to request a sayagaki, and I was delighted to hear that he was agreeable. A few weeks later, and the pictures I received back left me a bit startled—Tanobe-san had filled both sides of the saya with beautiful calligraphy (see below). Without wanting to put Aoi on the spot (I’m grateful they agreed to approach Tanobe-san at all), I asked them if sayagaki translation is a service they offer. Their response omitted any reference to my translation enquiry altogether, so I feel uncomfortable pursuing the issue with them any further. While I enjoy the idea of attempting a translation myself, Aoi is waiting for my approval to begin the export process. My concern is that it’s not inconceivable that it’s worthwhile pushing this blade for higher papers, and since it’s already in Japan, I should make that decision now. To be clear, I don’t pretend to have the knowledge base to form an opinion as to whether particular blades are of juyo quality—but given how much ink Tanobe-san invested on the back side of the saya, I’m assuming that either a) he has reservations about the current attribution and is elucidating his reasoning, or b) he really likes the blade. (I couldn’t find any “chin”s or “cho”s, but I hope it’s the latter!!) I hate to approach you folks without having done any of my own translation homework, but I feel I should let Aoi know as soon as possible where to send the blade. And the last thing I want is to be the gaijin making everyone uncomfortable with awkward questions about pursuing juyo papers, for a blade that Tanobe-san just downgraded… Thank you all so much for any translation services, as well as any advice on whether to pursue higher papers. Thank you, Rick

As a Luddite grouch it really pains me to admit just how awesome modern LED lighting technology has become. You can get 2700-3000K LED bulbs now that are just as rich, warm, and “natural-seeming” as any incandescent Edison-style bulb. I really struggled to adapt at first—“From my cold, dead han… oh these are really nice.”

Hello Marc— The lower hairline maybe looks consistent with an attempt to conceal a patch, but the one on top is so pronounced that it casts a shadow. I dunno what is going on, but since it doesn’t seem like any attempt was made to conceal the upper line, I’d guess that this isn’t umegane, or any malicious attempt at concealing anything. I’m assuming that this is a blade you’re considering purchasing and the seller’s description doesn’t mention umegane? If so, have you asked the seller directly? I would think the seller should be willing to provide clear photos of the portions that are in shadow, if you request them. Is it a reputable seller offering an inspection/return policy?