Grevedk

Maybe the Latin translation of fear of empty spaces: “Horror Vacui” also applies to some Japanese artist It is a very intricate piece of work, and I’m unfortunately not capable at the moment to really capture by photo all the little artistic gems that is to be found under a closer look. Quite happy with this acquisition, and my first Tsuba in this category (School and theme). Thank you all for your comments so far… /Soeren

Dear fellowship, First of all - best wishes for the New Year. Secondly - my latest and newest acquisition that found its way into my modest collection through an item exchange between a collector friend and my self. Iron Tsuba, 8,5 cm x 8 cm x 0,5 cm, intricately carved, open work and with different inlays of metal spanning gold, silver and copper. Mei: “Kosyu Hikone Jyu Mogarashi Nyudo Soten Sei” (earlier translation by: Kazushige Tsuruta - who believed the signature genuine in 2015 - judged from photographs by previous owner). My photographs are NOT in any way professional sorry… Any comments are as always welcome. /Soeren

It’s very flashy and maybe it was made for a prosperous “samurai - dandy” or merchant. The work , colors and “shine” is very hard to capture on a photo is magnificent

Bird (cockerel or maybe a Ho-Ho bird) in full flight. Big and heavy Tsuba with a rather slim Nakago-ana. Beautiful in hand. / Soeren

Truly recommend and very valid recommendation - thank you Thomas. Just received 2 sets of katana seppa in best quality (JPY 5800) from Japan ; one set in gold and one set in silver black. Perfect quality. Fast, safe and professional service and shipment. Soren

Gentlemen, Leather cover in very fine condition, and fitting a very nice Gendaito made by Akimoto Akitomo (1941) - pictures by courtesy of AOI art: /Soeren

What is knowledge if nor shared - thank you 🙏 PS - love those anecdotes 🤗 /Soeren

Congratulations to you Jesta for bidding and winning a fine tsuba. And thank you Marius for a great initiative in securing funding for a great forum - including all Brian’s administrative work and hassle in keeping us all happy and aligned 😜 A small side donation has been made to the NMB from my side as recognition of that work. Thank you Brian 👏🏻 /Soeren

Good form Marius - I raise the bid up to 60$ 😎 /Soren

Hi Jonathan, I have a very nice and well crafted wakizashi that is made by the 3rd generation Yukinaga (Bungo Takada school). A very fine smith. I have included the family tree as a pdf file below should it have your interest as well as some pictures of his work. Would love to see pictures of your acquisition. /Soeren kaimotogenealogy.pdf

Hi Stefan, It hurts to see that someone hasn’t already grabbed this beautiful sword and Koshira. Everything is there - in text and pictures. I really hope that this world will find its feet again soon - so that free international and hassle free trade between countries can resume, and that we all again can find the trust in our economy to spend some money again on hobbies like collecting Nihonto. All the best /Soeren

Evening John, I think it’s very safe to say that the tsuba with the “animals” is a very crude replica. Not one to own unless you need some private “horror” in your home. The other one (top picture) could both be either legit Nihonto or a used but okay made replica. Looks as if it’s been mounted at some point. Shows red (active) rust, some wear and a rather tired patina. I wouldn’t consider that either…. All the best. /Soeren

A wildcat with stripes in a groove of bamboo - does that count as a “wild thing” 😜 /Soeren

Evening Dee, First of all - thank you for posting your newest acquisitions. It’s always nice to follow other collectors taste and finds, as well as getting the opportunity to guess on maker, school, design and meaning. I have no idea who made this one. But as Justyn and Brian have stated - a heavy, solid and “a no nonsens” piece of work in its own measure and elegance. Personally I believe that some (if not most) tsuba served several functions, one of which included the function of balancing of the sword. Maybe not a critical function for a wealthy merchant in peacetime but a critical one for a warrior in times of war and unrest. Your tsuba radiate this feeling for me. Several famous sword smith's (e.g. Ikeda Kazuhide) also made tsuba with a similar look, texture and design as yours. So - authentic, made for a purpose (my assumption) and rather cool looking 😎👍 A good place to find information and to compare an acquisition: https://shibuiswords.com/tsuba.htm And - keep posting. All the best / Soeren

Wild and possibly very uneducated guess - Terukane. Happy Christmas to all. /Soeren

Evening Pierre, I believe it was @JakeNYC who had it on sale. Best regards Soren

A few “non native” plants and flowers currently living in Denmark 🌿🍀 /Soren

@k morita @Nobody, Thank you both for your time and effort - that is much appreciated. “Domo arigato” 😎👍 All the best Soren

Dear NMB translators, Once again I’m in need of your knowledge and expertise. I have just received the following pictures (mobile phone) from a friend who asked for help in regard to translating the Mei. I believe it’s in Caoshu or “grass script” which I’m completely unable to decipher. It also has a golden seal “Kinin” which I haven’t seen before. The Tsuba is an heirloom from his father, and has been in the family’s possession for at least 30-40 years. It looks to be either tanto (maybe even for a Yo-roi Doshi blade) or wakizashi size. Unfortunately I do not have the dimensions at the moment. If anyone has the ability to either decipher the Mei or the seal (or both) from the provided pictures, I would be grateful. /Soren

What a great idea to dedicate a place in which to view and admire some of his works. I believe quite a few members have his works in their collections. And - that might be a treat to see if it were to happen. There are many extremely learned and skilled people who over time has dedicated themselves to this art - but not many can match his skills, his willingness to share his knowledge and ability to qualify his feedback. I will truly miss that….

Evening all, Should anyone have an interest in knowing the end sale of those items as a reference. Described by the auction house as being from the Edo - Meiji period. Then the above mentioned items were all sold today, Monday 12th., at the Danish auction house Bruun-Rasmussen (part of Bonhams). Final price DKR 6000,- (around 850$) before fees and shipping expenses. Total will probably end around 1200$. /Soren

Evening Dale, A truly impressive work and retirement effort - and seen as a collective it could really be viewed as a true “World Heritage Tsuba Appendix” 👏🏻 Thank you 😎👍 All the best /Soren

Hi Manuel, Congratulations and well done. That is skill and sheer competence 😎👍 All the best /Soren

Hi Henry, IMHO - You have a seemingly nice sword, old Nakago and a blade that has seen several polish and with a Mei (name and date) that belongs to a smith of renown with a seemingly corresponding date - within his active period (year 1364 - if I’m reading Ray correct?) imported directly from Japan but without any “trusted” Origami. That could suggest something that is not in line. I think that only a Shinsa can give you any more clues or confirmation as to your questions. All the best. /Soren

Hi Jesse, I can personally relate to both yours and Steve’s sentiments. I also believe that regret and / or some anxiety in regard to care automatically will follow any respectful and serious collector of Nihonto (or any antique item - for that matter) who puts on the mantle of custodian. That speck by the way would only have turned into a problem if you haven’t looked or cared - which you did 😎👍And I would guess it’s already gone… All the best /Soren