Lewis B

Do you have the numbers of blades submitted vs number that pass? I was planning to submit a blade for Juyo next year but will wait for reports from this year to see if the trend of continues.

Good to know. So many pitfalls for the uninitiated. Acquiring genuine Zufu papers is what makes this scam so incredible and will catch out some savvy collectors as well as the novice. Isn't there a report button on Yahoo.jp auctions? Can't open the links as EU buyers are now blocked.

Red flags regarding the back story, the unconvincing blade vs papers, low seller feedback, the clear images. First time I've heard Den being +/- 5%, but good to learn something new. What I understood was, taking Tametsugu as an example, Den Tametsugu could mean Norishige or Uda. If as you say the papers are authentic, a lot of effort was put into altering the oshigata (or can you see the original in the archives?) or the details on the blade to mimic the oshigata. It's quite a sophisticated effort to scam an unsuspecting buyer. How do you know if the Nakago was reshaped as there are no images with the tsuka removed?

If you can follow Jean's guide to taking photos, angles etc we can get a better idea what you have there.

Ciao Stefano. Where did you purchase and besides 'non industrial production' how was it described? Any papers?

With 170 bids someone is buying it. So many red flags. It's also Den Go if the papers are to be believed.

I will add these stops to my trip next Oct/Nov. Thanks for posting Emil

Prices for Norishige are all over the place. I've seen them as high as 350k Euro for a TJ all the way down to 15mil yen for a fairly uninspired Juyo example with later bohi, to 8.5mil yen for what I consider to be from his best period/style with Norishige Mei, relocated and embedded in the nakago, but unfortunately it's o-suriage to a short 44cm wakizashi and finally a TH katana for 6.5mil yen. The paper for this item is Den Norishige so they are uncertain. I've seen much, much better examples of Den Norishige offered for less than 4mil yen, with Juyo Shinsa pass. The retailer knows exactly what they have and its potential, to offer it at that bargain basement price. They also say to contact for pics of the kizu so there is undisclosed condition problems not shown in the published photos. Norishige would be a great name to own and even though I am actively looking for one to add to my collection, I personally would pass on this example. Another polish and it might be game over.

But they assure you they only sell blades that are made from 100% traditional Tamahagane. Another reason to only buy antique swords with NBTHK papers.

This was the sorry state of the 'Masamune' https://www.youtube.com/shorts/46PcnciJYVE

This was a vid of a blade with an interesting hamon. One of the better ones from a condition perspective. At least it wasn't covered in solidified oil and scratches

Just to complete the story, I passed on my thoughts on the collection in a detailed reply to the curator. I thought given the limited funds available the museum should know what they have and that many of the pieces are not what they purport to be. eg the signed Yukihira tanto. The Masamune is worth more detailed inspection but in light of the entire collection, its highly unlikely to be a real Masamune. Perhaps another Soshuden Masterwork piece and that if the museum wanted they could have a trained togishi open up a window to expose the jihada and hataraki. If worthy of a full polish to have it returned to Japan for a high end mukansa polish. In its current state almost impossible to glean any further insight. I'm guessing the Curator didn't appreciate the feedback and never responded...... but better to know right. Btw a preeminent expert inspected another sword, which wasn't at the Steyr museum when I visited, and signed Sadamune. He says that was also Gimei.

No kidding if this is the same smith. Mei is very similar in style. https://www.samuraim...u-hozon-certificate/

What a gorgeous and rare find. And from what I can tell the sword and koshirae appear to be matched to the Yoroi (armour). The koshirae and fittings especially, appear really high quality and I'm sure the blade when polished will look equally spectacular. As others have said it would be great if you were able to offer it here. It clearly needs some TLC and someone with knowledge and the inclination would be the perfect custodian to ensure the artefact is restored and preserved for future generations.

Yes its got habaki. See 1st photo

What a wonderful response. It's hard to argue against your thought process and to not think in probabilities. I especially echo your nostalgic reference to Darcy. His educated and insightful contributions are sorely missed.

I think seller is referring to the gold colored mekugi and habachi. The koshirae appears to be silver.

Oshigata for the Senjuin. Is the shape of the boshi unusual? Almost like a hybrid Ichimai boshi with hakikake feathering towards the tip.

Be wary of fancy koshirae. Dealers usually put together koshirae to shift more unappealing blades. You have already mentioned you prefer the look of the 3rd blade with only Shirasaya and that should prioritise the purchase decision. A sword with TH papers trumps Hozon/older Kicho papers. Good luck with your choice. That said Hawley and Toko Taikan rate #1 smith well above #2 and #3. #1 https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/TSU257 #2 https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/JU32 #3 https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/UJI22

Just in case @Jacques D. missed it. Plus an added bonus from a TJ Norishige. Classic Namazu IMHO Plus an added bonus from a TJ Norishige. Classic Namazu IMHO

Walter, this looks like where that blade from Japan ended up. Did you purchase it from the dealer in Andorra? https://www.supeinni...y-the-power-of-gods/

Most certainly. Its unfortunately the level of security needed these days to ensure items are secure is not affordable for small museums, making them easy targets. A sad state of affairs.

Yes indeed. Shame I'm in Germany. This is a nice little amuse bouche before the DTI main course in Nov. I think Keichodo is Robert Hughes' business. They are even offering free appraisals and consultations.

Unfortunately I think you're right. I was there for the 3 days and heard mutterings that attendance was less than hoped. Not only that but I don't think the dealers were selling many items, which might ultimately have cooled the idea of another Expo. It cost a lot of money for the dealers, especially from Japan and NA to set up a stand. Henk seemed quite upbeat though after the event and was in discussions immediately after to sign a contract for the Hotel to host the event in 2025. Maybe that fell through. I would certainly have loved to attend the earlier editions, but to be honest it was only in passing that I found out about the 2024 Japan Art Expo at all. I don't think the pre-event publicity was so effective and failed to target the right groups and forums. I thought the German attendance was very poor tbh.

Wow, and in a private collection too. Lucky owner