Lewis B

The impression I got was the book was printed in Italy on demand. So not a limited production run.

Excellent resource with opinions expressed from a different period. Not so great for Soshuden and Yamato but for Bizen the reference is quite thorough. I did see a 1305 Shintogo Kunimitsu tanto which wasn't in my records for dated pieces. And the authors emphasised the relative importance of the Shintogo (I assume through the close connection with the Bakafu) and Yamashiro ateliers during this period, and a downplaying of Yukimitsu's contemporary relevance. Only later, after his death, did his work gain significance and appreciation (like Van Gogh).

Nothing new. Tamahagane production was centralised back in the Edo period (as a means of controlling sword production by the Bakafu), often said to the detriment of the blades produced since then.

Colour me impressed. Always admire a westerner who has mastered Japanese

I think Martin divides his time between Japan and Slovakia(?). He may be away from the swords and unable to ship until he returns, although this doesn't excuse the ghosting.

What an amazing coincidence to be rediscovered exactly a century later.

For anyone with FB. Here are Shiotsuna's images of the Mitsutada Ken. What I don't get is why the plaque said it's the only known sword by Mitsutada, there are others. Maybe the only known Ken. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2025021488070415&set=a.2025022978070266 And the koshirae

Thanks for the photos. That blade has had a tough life. A chunk out of the edge and a nakago that is shall we say...interesting. Certainly not something I've seen on another blade from the era. Unfortunately Shiotsuna, the local photography GOAT can't travel to record these blades. Such a shame.

Is it common blades to lose National Treasure status? I thought that attribution would be a forever thing.

When I visited a year ago they had an extraordinarily healthy Rai Kunimitsu sword in the display booth. A couple weeks later I saw it in hand as part of a special NBTHK-EB event at the Museums research centre and took this video. It had marumune and Hon'ami Kochu Kinzoganmei

When the Yamatorige was purchased by Setouchi City the US$ was much weaker. 500mil JPY was around $5mil (just over $3.1mil based on todays FX) making it a far better headline. Speaking of visually impressive swords, do any of these big name sword museums in Japan use the macro observation system successfully employed by the Samurai Museum in Berlin? There is nothing like viewing these blades under a macro lens (like observing pond water under a microscope).

You will have to contact Chris directly. He withdrew the listing and the photos disappeared.

You're welcome. Contact info for a couple of habaki makers can be found in this thread https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/15473-i-would-like-to-buy-koshirae-or-shirasaya/

You're welcome. Contact info for a couple of habaki makers can be found in this thread

This may still be available