Toryu2020

My thinking was Shunan 秀南 but i wanted to consider a title for the image before positing any name... -t

David - Could we also see a picture of the whole painting? -t

Mr Hughes - I should be interested to know about how much having a "window" polished would cost? I have a sword that I consider might be a good candidate for this treatment. any help appreciated, -t

The Taisei Bukan - a whos who of great houses lists in one handy book the mon, yarijirushi, haori and even sail designs of the major Samurai families - All Daimyo listed have at least two mon in combination, some three. Hatamoto and other important persons are listed with only one. This combination is not found in my 1864 edition. In fact the second of the two mon, the one on the left does not appear at all. To me the kogai appears late, so I would say this is either a very minor family or no family at all and just a design element. It is always good to see mon in combination as single mon are even more disrememorable as to their associations... -t

Ron et al - You may find some additional tidbits to add to your article here...http://tinyurl.com/28t2xnl -t

Taima Hon'Ami Bun Saburo suriage kore Not I think all that difficult remembering that kinzogan is either going to be a cutting test or an attribution... -t

Right you are John and place of manufacture could give us some clues to that, but again we'd only be guessing at it... -t

Alex - The short answer is no. But if you are guessing, it is possible to make an educated guess. Obviously it could not have been shorter than the nakago is now. Can you hold the nakago in both hands or with only one hand? If before Tensho then most likely the tsuka would be within the norm for other swords from the same time and place. Do you know the era? Place of manufacture? You could in theory reverse engineer such a thing but given that the original was dressed out according to the tastes of the owner or to the requirements of his lord it would only be a guess... -t Pics of the sword in question might render better guesses :-)

A final head up - Reservation confirmations going out this week, if you want to guarantee a slot on a particular day now is the time to get your reservations in. All the info is on our website; http://www.toryu-mon.com Of course anyone may PM me or send an email with any questions - gearing up for a big show... -t

Terrific Link, thanks for that Malcolm. -t

and wonderful little tsuba BTW -t

This is a stylized representation of Shobu or iris, as Curran has said very common on the stencilled leathers used in Japanese armour and later in other textiles like kendo bags... -t

All - A quick reminder that we are less than a month away from the NCJSC San Francisco To-ken Taikai and the 2013 NTHK West Coast Shinsa. If you have not registered yet we are fast approaching citical mass and will soon be sending out time-slot confirmations get your registrations in now! http://www.toryu-mon.com As an added bonus this year the San Francisco Asian Art Museum will be featuring an exhibition of the Larry Ellison Collection "In the Moment"; http://www.asianart.org/exhibitions_index/in-the-moment If you love the art of Ito Jakucho and others this will be a must see exhibit and it is all happening in The City at the same time as the show and shinsa. Hoping to see you all here, -t

How about a photo of the koiguchi? Should tell us if it is new, well made or "continental"... -t

Since the poll appears locked, i will add my request for two copies. -t

Adding my voice to the consensus, he bought it, doesnt like what he bought, i am sure with period thread and stitching he can get what he paid for it! Seriously, you should not have to refund this. -t

http://ejmas.com/tin/2004tin/tinart_morgan_0404.html An old interview from the pages of the EJMAS - someone mentioned the six degrees of separation. Re-reading this it is fascinating to me how many connections John and I had though none of the frineds and teachers we had in common were responsible for the two of us meeting. Truly he was a man after my own heart, sad though I am he is gone, how happy that he and Sachiko can be reunited. Few will ever live up to their example, we can but keep their memory and strive on. -t

The Japanese text i believe says this is Hirata or some other related school... -t

Wow, I go to work and come home to find a s--t storm caused by my poor post. Seriously Rueben i was trying to help while encouraging your interest. Spoon fed info rarely stays with the recipient. Had you said you had already searched i would have been more forthcoming. As you have seen the brotherhood here quickly stepped up to answer your questions. I apologize if you could not see my smiling face thru my text. I promise you i am always smiling and always ready to help :D -t

Rueben - Seek no more! I am sure if you put "katate-uchi" into the search window you will get lots of good info right here! -t

All - Recently returned from a very busy trip to Japan and had to do some catching up at work.I apologize if anyone was trying to reach me. I am happy to report that the submissions for this year are coming in and the schedule is shaping up nicely. If you are planning on coming to San Francisco this year we expect it to be another great one. If you are thinking about submitting swords for this years shinsa please visit our website; http://www.toryu-mon.com. You may of course contact me thru the board or via email with any questions. I am also happy to announce that one of our local NCJSC members, Cyril Skladany, is handling mail in shinsa submissions for fee. If anyone is looking for an agent you may contact him via email; cyro.nihonto@gmail.com - or by phone 408-394-6639. -t

Would anyone have telephone or email contact info for Chris Randall or John Skabry? Both gentlemen from Florida I believe. Please send me a PM or email toryu@toryu-mon.com thanks, -t

Terrific stuff Dale. Thank you for sharing this very interesting piece. -t

What you guys never heard of ububa!?!

could be the head of a Shinsa group in which case kaicho could be appropos in Kendo and Iaido the head of the event (taikai) would be referred to as Kaicho (event boss) usually but not always chief judge - and rarely will this same person be the head of the federation involved... -t