Justin

I was lucky enough to examine and photograph hundreds of tsuba from the Church collection at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford in January. The photos turned out really well (even under fluorescent lights), however I signed an agreement not to share them with anyone. You can see them in the Church collection catalogue anyway. The museum staff were great and allowed me lots of time to go through them all. Although I arranged this through a friend who knew the curator, I think most museums are accommodating if you ask in a courteous and professional manner and let them know that you're a serious collector looking to learn. Well done on deciding to publish your photos/write ups. I for one will be looking to purchase a copy.

That's great John. Thanks for your help.

Hi Jeremy, I find the hardest part is convincing the Australia Post staff that the country in question (usually Japan or US) allows the import of sword. Just tell them you have sent swords there before and never had a problem. That usually helps. Make sure it is packed really well and there is no chance of the point coming out the end of the box, etc. I always describe the item correctly, e.g. Antique Japanese Sword, more than 100 years old. You shouldn't have any problems. I like to use Express Courier International (equivalent to EMS). Costs a bit more, but has full tracking and fast delivery. Just ask at the post office. Good luck!

Can anyone help with this? I can see Bushu, Edo period and Hana (flower), however it would be good to know the rest. Thanks in advance.

Is this a modern daisho koshirae? It is very nice. I notice Tsuruta san was careful not to mention a time period in his description.

David, I'd be interested in your reasons why the 3 main shinsa organisations shouldn't do international shinsas? Why should they just be in Japan? i understand they don't often bring all of their reference books/oshigata examples, however quite a few attributions are straight forward. There is also much to learn from the shinsa team and other collectors at these events. So much nihonto is in overseas collections and events like these help bring interesting things to light.

Isn't it a shame that the NBTHK don't do international shinsa anymore? I don't think it would be worth sending this tsuba to Japan for a second opinion. Do you like it David? Can you live with it? If so, then keep it ... regardless of age or attribution.

A beautiful tsuba Ford. The detail is amazing. I really like the little Hosokawa mon around the outside. How long would something like this take to make?

It might be the photo however something about the iron doesn't look right (the colour and texture looks strange to me).

I think Mike is posting them for us to enjoy. I certainly do anyway ...

Thanks for the great comments. As stated above I don't buy tosogu for investment purposes. I buy to study, appreciate and enjoy. Please keep posting if you have any further info or examples sold in the past that have resurfaced.

I am interested in doing some research into tosogu as an investment (rate of return over time). Don't get me wrong I don't primarily collect for investment purposes, although I do like to think that there will be a market there if I ever decide to sell. I would appreciate if anyone could let me know if they spot anything that was originally sold in one of the big auctions in the past (Comption, Haynes, Mosle, Wragham, etc). I have most of these catalogues and can compare the price then and now and work out some averages, possibly by artist if the sample is big enough. Perhaps someone has already done this ... ? Anyway please just post here or email me at justinorr (at) zoho.com if you see anything on your travels. Thanks in advance.

It's old, but I agree with you both. Doesn't do much for me.

A nice guard Mikolaj. It is strange to see fukurin on a sukashi tsuba like this. Usually the mimi was exposed to examine the workmanship. The horse bit has the cross symbol and may therefore be made for someone of the Shimazu clan.

Nice menuki Ian. Are they papered?

Early to mid Edo I agree with, however it looks more Mino to me (rather than Mito).

Hi Markus, I return to Australia on Saturday, June 29th. Just a quick business trip this time. I have some time free on Saturday morning prior to catching train from Stuttgart to Frankfurt and was looking for a museum or something to visit.

Thanks Jean and Uwe. I spoke to Mr Hoppen. He kindly invited me to one of their meetings on June 22nd, however I will not arrive in Germany until June 24th. Perhaps next time. Uwe - he said you might be at the meeting.

No problem Jean

Katchushi?

I will be visiting Stuttgart, Germany in a few weeks time. Does anyone know of any collectors or museums that I can visit for nihonto/tosogu? Thanks

Well said Pete.

Mike, any of these for sale?

Thanks Chris. Any oshigata or info about him?

Hi George, Good idea. Why didn't I think of that Details of the sword can be found here: http://yakiba.com/Tanto_YasuYoshi.htm