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uwe

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Everything posted by uwe

  1. Your fuchi is signed “秀元” + kao (Hidemoto + seal), Estan.
  2. I’m on the road at moment… Seems that each row starts with “号“ (model or number) followed by a number.
  3. Here is a small selection of variants of sakura based mon...
  4. Hi Bruce! There are many variations of the different pattern's. So it’s sometimes very tricky to pin the right one down…🤓 I can post some examples?!
  5. Hi Dan, I think you refer to the sukashi on the double habaki. This might be a variation of a cherry blossom. Not sure it’s meant as a mon, though!! The sword is a naginata naoshi wakizashi from the shintō period. I’ll leave the rest to the experts here….
  6. Are you running out of space Anthony 😉
  7. Inaba (稲葉) had normally cut corners and we have to deal at least with two other families “三木” (Miki) as also “中村” (Nakamura)… (different readings of the names are possible!)
  8. One of the markings (特) on the Seppa is too faint for my eyes, but there seems to be an additional stroke?! So I’ll grab the first in purple, this might be “柄” (tsuka or gara). Although “橘” looks quite similar. Can’t make out the second one…
  9. Thanks Chris! Note, there are some good oki’s out there made by the gendai smith Ototsugu!
  10. Second seems “越前住記内作” (Echizen jū Kinai saku)…. Just noticed Jean’s post above 👍
  11. It’s “宗珉” (Sōmin)!
  12. Crucial question Jussi! Colin underlined the sad consequences and Luc backed it with numbers. That’s the situation and I merely wanted to emphasize that with my post in the other thread. Not more, not less! So no offense, Andy! The importance of traditionally trained, professional restorers (or katchū-shi) is totally out of question! I’m glad we can add another finger to Luc’s hand since you popped up here 🖐️ It’s a pity that you got me wrong….but your example with the doctor fits well. Before you can pay a doctor you have to find one…no doctor…no cure for the patient and that’s obviously the moment quacks come into play. For what reason ever. May it be stinginess, may it be despair or simple ignorance. As mentioned before, I’ve no solution either for this dilemma, but I think we can at least fight the ignorance?!
  13. Allow me a comment. I can agree with the most points made, but what we outline as desirable in terms of restoration or conservation is more or less wishful thinking. It has, unfortunately, little to do with reality and won’t in the foreseeable future. We are all aware of the fact that there is a serious lack on professional restorers (or competent layman) in the field. Hence, the majority of pieces will never been handelt by people who know what they do, or handelt at all. It is senseless to argue about who is the best trained and experienced katchū-shi or restorer. It might be nice to know but has no far-reaching consequences if they are not able or willing to share their knowledge. At least to the extent that gross errors can be avoided by the “guys on the front”*. Thin ice, I know, but I’ve no better idea for the moment to solve this dilemma… Insofar (and I don’t believe that I write this), I can’t see a serious problem with the pictured “restoration works” in the initial post. Mark it as restored and the item not only survived, but also becomes presentable*. * I refer to restorers at museums, collectors and the so “demonized” lay craftsman. * Provided it has not been altered by restoration or taken out of its historical context (given that real urushi was used).
  14. I echo the above, Brian! Was successfully routed here and like to thank you 😊 BTW, I’m sure you will find an unbiased mod for the katchu section….
  15. I’m dealing with several museums since years as a consultant (or visiting researcher) when it comes to Japanese armor (sometimes also swords and the same) and can totally agree with Ian. Apart from the different views of each restorer/conservator a lot of other things have to be considered and the decision to which degree a piece has to be touched depends on the very piece (condition etc.) and the purpose. For example, when the item is intended for exhibition. On the other hand, museums are mostly like time capsules. The majority of artifacts remained untouched and unaltered for the last 100-150 years. A great source of information and references. So in view of the abundance of Japanese arms and armor stored away in the magazines, we can be glad if they at least get a proper conservation. I think the dispute will go on, but there will be probably no right or wrong in the end…
  16. First guess was “定正”, but I doubt . Also couldn’t find a reference for that…
  17. As Geraint mentioned, Tyler, “清則”. The pictures of the sword revealing not much, except that the blade is suriage (shortened). Have a look here: https://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?type=All&mei_op=contains&mei=清則
  18. What I see is “君命重夳山”. (the fourth kanji seems to be another form of 太)…. Oh, Moriyama san was faster 🙂
  19. It’s described as “Daikoku zukin nari kabuto” as also as “Nanban bōshi nari kabuto”. I spot sawari?! But the caption says ginrō-nagashi….
  20. Paul, it’s most likely a candidate for restoration. To find a craftsman who can do the job professionally might be a problem, though. The larger hole’s in the koshimaki (perimeter) are for fastening a shikoro and the small pairs on the lower edge for the ukebari (liner). The angle of the koshimaki, on the other hand, tells us something about the type of shikoro once used…
  21. Yes, looks very Saotome! A neglected but good quality kabuto. Is there something chiseled at the lower backplate (inside)? Nice find, congrats!
  22. You are right Alex! A good write up by Arthur, although I can’t thoroughly agree for the time being. Anyway, it left some food for thoughts…. Thanks Arthur for sharing your ideas here! (That also applies for the okegawa-thread ‼️) A minefield? Yes of course, but worth dealing with 😉
  23. uwe

    Sothebys Yoroi

    Indeed Thomas…a step! But it seems they don’t change the estimate….😏
  24. Some really nice armor stuff and some really questionable pieces on the other hand. No further comments about the descriptions and estimations…..🙄 Agree about no. 13, Anthony!
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