FZ1
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Thanks gents. Dan - I think that its more rusted than burned (i.e. poss water ingress to the tsuka). Difficult to determine from those pics because they are pretty naff (as per Pat's comment about kizu not showing-up well) Indeed Kirill! Muromachi was also the view of one of the NMB's koto specialists when I PM'd them for an opinion; it was actually the sugata that got my attention. (As per the last line of the Monty Python Pope/Michelangelo sketch, "I may not know much about art, but I know what I like"! ) https://youtu.be/l9Aj7W3g1qo?t=228 Pat - Thanks for the comments, but I'm not looking for buying advice. I'm looking for informative comments on the blade itself because (as per your advice), "Always buy the sword, not the papers" Cheers, Jon
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This Tachi was offered by a well-respected dealer in Japan. Mei Mumei, attributed to Kagemitsu from Kashu Shape Shinogizukuri Iorimune, Typical Tachi Shape with Koshisori Region Kaga Province Era Namboku-cho Period Length 83cm 32.7 in Sori 3.6cm 1.4 in Motohaba 3.1cm 1.2 in Sakihaba 1.9 cm 0.7 in Mekuniane 0.7 cm 0.3 in Jihada Itame-nagare and Mokume with faint Utsuri Hamon Kogunome-midare with Konie, Ashi and Yo Bōshi Almost Sugu, Turning a bit sharply Nakago Ubu, Kiji-momo shape, Sujikai file pattern and a Kurijiri end Mekugiana 1 Habaki Copper base gold foil Tachi Habaki Status/Date NBTHK Hozon Token / 31 Jan 2013 Responses from the dealer to some general questions: There are several kizu/kitaeware flaws on the blade and they are visible through the images. However, I can tell you that there is no serious flaw. Considering the history, current conditions are quite natural and tolerable. This blade was forged in the Nambokucho era, over 600 years ago. It has a rich history and compared with other swords with the same tachi, it is natural. The Hamon and the Boshi are clear and the faint Utsuri is visible. In hand, this blade appears to be mature and robust. This answer was in response to a question about the partially erased Kikumon/Ichi: It is not a Kikumon, but someone probably engraved Kikkumon and ichi to try to be recognized as a Kikugosaku. Kikugosaku swords mostly became national treasures, which were forged for the Gotoba Emperor in the early Kamakura Period. I think the style and shape of the sword resembles that. Later, it appears as if someone tried to grind the non-legitimate Kikugosaku, but you can still see a little of the symbol. NBTHK recognized it as Mumei and not Kikugosaku. I’d appreciate thoughts on this blade from those more experienced than me. I’d be most grateful if any critique of the blade is constructive, i.e. please provide reasons for your thoughts, so that I can learn from them (dismissive one-liners add nothing to my knowledge!) I attach photos from the dealer, an image of the Hozon paper and (for convenience) the Sesko and Hawley references for the Kashu/Kaga Kagemitsu smiths. Thanks, Jon
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I'm also new to all this, Mike (I've been at it for about a year) and I'm still tripping-over molehills; I'm not even close to the mountain yet! Reading the wide range of daily posts on the NMB, while also reading loads of books and doing some targeted research, keeps me moving forward and (hopefully) learning. I've also found that it pays to become comfortable with a lack of "absolutes". Sometimes there just isn't enough information available for one definite answer, only a range of possibilities. I read somewhere (possibly in one of Darcy's blog posts?) that Japanese people tend to be much more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty than people from many other cultures. I'm slowly learning to take this approach and not get frustrated that I may not get "the" answer that I'm looking for. That's my rookie 2d worth anyway. As Geraint says, the climb is indeed fascinating, so stick with it. Cheers, Jon
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Thanks Jussi - hugely informative as most of your posts are, but this one is a complete lesson in itself!
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A bit of Googling for Gotoku Futaoki brings up this (see image) but Nanbu tekki is kettle, so perhaps a kettle stand? Jon
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I'm with Soren - I think its a fox. To me, the body looks too stocky (heavy/wide) for a weasel. The tail & ears are fox-like and kitsune are prevalent in Japanese folk lore. Just my 2d worth! Jon
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I agree Mike. The workmanship is superb, but would I want it on display at home? Jon
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Welcome John. Be careful not to get your Nihonto mixed up with your acupuncture needles - it could be a tricky lawsuit! Jon
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The first thing that made me think Koto is that Jussi is posting it! Jon
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The old trick when your "significant other" asks what you paid for it: "It was only 280" (and mumbled in a whisper "thousand")
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I feel your pain Pat! I went to work without my specs one day last week and had to try reading everything from about 6 feet distance all day. Jon
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For me, it holds more importance "as is" because what happened to it is part of the blade's story. But then again, I'm more of a history buff than an art appreciator!
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Thanks for the warning Stephen - clearly a seller to avoid. Jon
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Welcome Jean-Sebastien and Colin. Colin, I'm from "A small town in East Anglia", so might have a chance to meet up for a coffee/beer/chat! Cheers, Jon
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I know that several members have sourced and re-cut old tsuka to fit their blades, so I assume its a common practice. Good recycling of quality old tsuka as well!
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No joke mate, just trying to help the poster understand where some of the comments come from.
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Fair cop, Dave - I'll withdraw that opinion (Everyday's a school-day, etc!) Jon
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Hello Dick, This thread may put some of the comments into context regarding the NMB community's view of polishing. I'm not saying your friend is doing it right or wrong, just pointing to a post which might help explain folks' thinking. Cheers, Jon
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Yes, it looks like a repurposed Yari.
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Welcome Jack. As another new-starter to the hobby, I can confirm that this is an excellent place to learn! Loads of really experienced people who are willing to share (in some cases) lifetimes of experience and knowledge. If you are any good with driving the "Search" function (I'm not!) there's a mass of really useful info available from many years of contributions. Cheers, Jon
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I bought my first tsuba from Grev in this sale (well, the first one without a sword & koshirae attached!) and got an excellent item and excellent friendly service. Top kit & top chap! Jon
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A couple of months back, I was reading something on the forum that mentioned a reference source as to which smiths were permitted to use the Kiku mon (in the 1600s, not the original use by Go-Toba) I've used the forum search facility, but I can't find it again. Please could anyone enlighten me as to where I can find a list of entitled smiths? Thanks Jon