Lewis B

I came on to say the exact same thing. The observation and design elements work so beautifully together. Reminds me of the motif on the Kokuho Norishige wakizashi tsuba in Ian's possession.

What surprises me is that the organizers had to borrow a kabuto for the exhibition. Wouldn't surprise if the owner told them it was early 14th century and they just printed that info.

Excellent production values, descriptions and offers a good appreciation of the multitude of steps needed to create these blades. Enjoy

The yoroi-doshi arrived exactly as described. Alex was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Marius thought it was 3rd or 4th gen Fuyuhiro, with the possibility of it being gimei. After doing much research I am leaning towards shoshin. The jitetsu and deki is a good match for late work by the 3rd gen swordsmith in Wakasa, (only he and 2nd gen signed sanmei), so Marius' hunch was spot on. The muneyaki to hitatsura with connected tobiyaki Yaki-ire is a sign the sword was made by an experienced and competent smith. Very proud to be the new owner of this honest, workhorse of a blade. I think this blade will look amazing under a macro lens.

Old thread revival but I thought the sword in question was worthy of an update @Surfson. Did you get the Mei authenticated? Having just purchased Alex's yoroi doshi I'm gathering as much evidence as possible to support an attribution to a particular generation Fuyuhiro and the period. What was curious to me, as this is something I've not come across before, is the carving of Mei across and into the Hi? Is that a thing?

If there are any doubts on the authenticity of the Mei it will not get papers. At best Horyu, requiring additional supporting documentation. Site/link seems to be down today so can't double check.

Nice effort but his focus control was not great. The blades were out of focus most of the time in the few vlogs I checked. So far the best work in this area is by Shiotsuna on Facebook. Shiotsuna's mastery of the nihonto photography using a macro lens and teleconverter, under exhibit lighting conditions and through glass, is unrivalled.

The overall shape or sugata, the length of the blade, sori, shape of the kissaki and nakago, patina on nakago are often used as indicators of age and period of production. Take a look at the Sue Soshu yoroi-doshi tanto in the FS section I just acquired and you'll see some similarities. Based on my research that tanto is late work by 3rd gen Fuyuhiro putting the date around mid 1500's, towards the end of the Muromachi.

That makes more sense then.

Hamish sort of has a point. A day to prep an order doesn't instill an awful lot of confidence if as some say its an involved and meticulous process. I decided to order an uchiko ball from an Osafune togishi via one of the vendors at the Japan Art Show. I'll pick it up in June. I saw it being used the last 2 years and seems to be quality stuff. Not cheap but by the time import duties and shipping are factored in the prices won't be too far apart.

Dealer claiming that because sword has early Torokusho registration papers (ca. 1951) it was previously owned by a daimyo family Attribution drag Dealer suggestions of attribution fluidity eg "Because he inherited his master's style so perfectly, it is a consensus among sword scholars that many works attributed to Shizu were likely historically regarded as original Masamune blades"

I would also insist on it getting NBTHK papers before it leaves Japan. Submit as is. Will the dealer accept responsibility for getting it papered, at your expense. If it fails allowing you to walk away?

Many thanks. I reached out the Bob as the listing says they are made to order. Hopefully he can supply to Germany in a reasonable time.

Is there a retailer or togishi in Europe who sells the highest grade uchiko powder? If not where can this be sourced in Japan?

Or Paul Kremers (Tsuba.info) or Pablo Kuntz (Unique Japan)