Toryu2020

Looks to read; 武州住安親　　（加尾） Bushû jû Yasuchika (kao) but as Grey has pointed out not the real Yasuchika I'm thinking... -t

Stefan - this is what I see; . Sorry have no books at hand so cannot decipher those two characters but I am sure others on this list better at reading than me will fill in those blanks... -t PS with a little study you could work this out yourself so dont be in a hurry to open up that spoiler

Ed - Most likely a scene from Heike Monogatari judging by the armour and accoutrement. Printed much later though, not a heian era image... -t

FWIW David - I would look at Choshu works to see if there aren't similar examples like yours out there... -t

Peter - You'll need to post better higher rez photos for folks to work this out - someone here familiar with his signatures may figure it out but I really think it will need a better photo... -t

Luc - Don't get the wrong idea just because the signature is a clear gimei. Think of it more as an homage. Someone wanted to give the gift of a famous sword so they had one made. From what little we can see it looks like a well made sword. If it really is from the Koyama group it will certainly have value. Not to mention the koshirae which looks to be one of the better examples of these revivalist court tachi. Your friend has a sword worth preserving, I would get more photos, especially close shots of the boshi, monouchi and nakago, with a little research you may be able to help him find out much more, -t

Piers et al - Regarding the Teppo-pipe (Teppipe?) it is only the wrong way round till you realize that smoking is bad for your health! Then "holding a holding a gun to your head" makes perfect sense... -t

Luc - Can you post the pictures to imageshack? some of us may have a problem with downloading unknown files from unknown sources, others may just have problems downloading files period. looking forward to those photos... -t

Fred - The website is http://www.toryu-mon.com The email is toryu@toryu-mon.com Contact me anytime, -t

All - the statement is true - I remember being skeptical when seeing the first listing of this piece having seen many Chinese and Middle Eastern fakes. I was surprised myself when Yoshikawa Sensei and the others took such an interest in this piece. I am a little uncomfortable with this being used to sell the sword in this way - I think it would have been better to wait for the publication, but what can you do. If it adds value to the piece then more power to you... -t

Jasper - Not sure anybody mentioned it but a damned nice first find - count me jealous... -t

James et al - One thing that needs to be considered is to what end are we studying? This will guide what books you want to invest in. Yumoto, Inami, Robinson, Sato and dare I say it Sinclair are must haves for beginners to get a basic grasp of the subject. As mentioned the books by Kapp and Yoshihara are for folks who want to know detailed info on the construction and restoration of a sword. Where to go next? If you expect to be seeing lots of swords in the field and want to read and understand the signatures you will need Hawley's. At least until you can read Japanese when you can switch to the Nihonto Meikan. Hawley's is basically a translation of an older edition of this. If you are only looking at and interested in better swords then you need Fujishiros, the two volume set features only the best makers and oshigata that are unquestioned. The Meikan is a phone book with every possible name included, Fujishiro includes only the top smiths. The connoisseur's book is a translation of a handbook for kantei. This is the traditional exercise followed in Japan for teaching the study of swords and is meant to accompany the viewing of examples of the makers mentioned. You need this book if you are regularly seeing good swords and especially if you are attending kantei sessions. It is an overview of the study of swords, the best in print really. However it is full of terms and explanations that are near impossible to understand without having first seen real world examples. I say buy it but keep it mind it can be a lot to take in as a beginner. If you can get the NBTHK English editions or the reprint that came out some time ago that, I think is a better next step. There you are seeing oshigata of blades and can see what the text is describing. Along the same lines and often over-looked is the Shin Nihonto Kantei Nyumon. Also a handbook for kantei but not as in depth as Nagayama Sensei's book but with one feature not found in the former. This terrific little book has kantei exercises in the back that describe a sword, let you try to decide who made the blade and then gives very detailed answers as to why the work described is by a particular artist. This really helps to connect written descriptions to swords as pictured in the magazines. Which in turn will help you if you decide to do the monthly kantei in the publications of the NBTHK and the NTHK. Harry Watson has translated the "nyumon" and I cannot stress just how useful I think it can be to the new student of kantei. Which of course brings up the NTHK and their publication To-Ken to Rekishi, which I feel is still your best bargain for sword info as it is the only Japanese sword magazine that sends out regular translations of the monthly kantei and featured swords. If recognizing good swords is your goal this is the way you should head. That covers beginner and intermediate study, next the student (or collector) needs to decide where to go with his hard won knowledge - if you specialize then there are all sorts of monographs on particular artists and particular schools. You can spend a fortune collecting books that will support your focus and hopefully improve your understanding and your collection. Others want to know it all and (unlike me) have the mental capacity to grasp all that knowledge, also the pocket book to acquire the best examples of the best artists - at this level we are talking about the large tomes or "Taikans" and at the highest level the Juyo To-ken Nado Zufu and Tokubetsu Juyo nado Zufu which are collections of oshigata and detailed descriptions of the very best swords by the very best makers. This information being all in Japanese you'll have a whole nother collection of books on language study to get you here. Rare air but a place I should someday like to be myself. in the end you really only need the first four or five books mentioned but after reading those I would be surprised if anyone stops there, enjoy... -t

The original "Musashi Koshirae" has a raised ridge on the kashira - this was copied by later generations of the Niten Ichi-ryu and over time it became more pronounced and pointed not for raking hits but for striking tsubo or pressure points such as the solar plexus and that located under the nose. A late copy for sure but still a neat item -t

Matt - Reservation confirmations went out the first week in January. I had one other person whose reservation went missing in the cybersphere. I will re-send your reservation once I get home tonight - please check your junkmail in case it gets directed there. I will also send it from my work address just in case. If anyone else has experienced this problem please let me know and I will investigate, -t

A reminder for all you last minute travellers - Registration for shinsa slots closes on Wednesday, after that you will have to fight for a slot at the show, which is not always convenient. If you think you will need a spot or have questions please email us now; NTHK2012@toryu-mon.com cheers, -t

Back to quality for a minute, One thing which perhaps has not been mentioned in so many words is balance, but in the sense that all the features are in harmony. Saeru I believe is the word, which can mean clear, clearly or skillfully done. The idea that the smith had absolute control of his material and that shows throughout the work. I love Satsuma swords for all their features, and some of the attitude they transmit. However some teachers point out that the unevenness of the nie, the fact that it grows large and clumps up in places, would not be desirable on other blades. Another example, a strong clearly defined hamon that fades or becomes indistinct in spots would of course not be appreciated as much as one that is clearly done, and in most cases clearly done in the style the smith is known for. Perhaps all this goes without saying (and perhaps this is more into the aesthetics) but it is a comment often seen in written kantei and one I heard often during my short time in Japan. -t

Much more than a list, I can recommend this book; http://tinyurl.com/6rpcxas Many famous names and the stories behind them. A must read by one of our own... -t

Japanese can have all kinds of crazy names, How about "the right honorable Tsuji Kazumi" ??? -t

Of course by the time y'all get to Tampa I will have been there a week, and yes I am excited... -t

Just two weeks away folks! Our thanks to all who registered early, reservation confirmations have all been sent out. For those of you not going to Indianapolis to see the 49ers crush the Patriots there is still time to register your items and still a few slots left. Florida here we come!

Zman- Would love to see some close-ups of that blade. Dig around this site a bit and you'll find lots of resources to help you with you research. As it happens there is a shinsa (examination), kind of like antiques roadshow for swords, happening in Tampa next month. If you're interested search for Tampa Japanese Sword show or just follow the link in my signature and let us know if you've any questions. -t PS Brilliant Brian!

I would do a search for SOTOBA, especially images and I think the source of the design will be clear. -t

Stu - Look for Tsutsu-gane - a not so uncommon item and popular during the late Edo-period. I agree with Grey, does not appear to be that old or of the highest workmanship. FWIW -t

Curious isn't it, The image is from a scroll that shows a large tanto signed SANJO - the mei compares well with what are supposed to be Munechika signatures. However it seems clear that the blade in question is more on the order of a Nanbokucho piece. The few references I have with early smiths like the Sanjo group all suggest that the two character SANJO signature was used by Munechika exclusively. Thus I was hoping somewhere out there are legitimate Sanjo signatures not attributed to the third day moon man! -t

Looking at old picture of a tanto that looks to be signed SANJO Hoping someone on the forum has images of Sanjo Munechika or Yoshiie tanto especially the nakago. If no images I would appreciate anyone who can point me to references that might have what I am looking for. I include two rather poor photos for your edification... -t