Clive Sinclaire

Thanks for that Rod. I particularly enjoyed Higashi's morote-tsuki and isn't it good to see shimpan scoring such good Doh cuts for a change. Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen Were I a betting man I would say this is almost certainly sue-koto. I say this because of the style and positioning of the mei which is very similar to a sword I have recently seen in the UK by Soshu Hirotsugu (nidai I think) and it hasth little to do with the famous Yukimitsu associated with Masamune. My opinion, for what it is worth, I will be interested what the SF shinsa says as I do intend to be there. Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen Please consider the following: After the 2nd World War, many Japanese wanted nothing to do with their previous militaristic past. They were almost embarrassed about it in the post-war reconstruction of the country and anything to do with the Army was shunned. Of course, this especially applied to swords and swordsmiths from the early Showa period (1926-45) which were seen as a symbol of the military and hence Japan’s unfortunate situation and occupation. At this time, it is true that Yasukuni-to seemed to have been more highly rated outside of Japan than in the country itself. To many collectors, Yasukuni-to were obviously superior to the mass-produced blades of Seki and the like. At this time (1970/80’s) Japanese dealers were combing the western countries for swords and were certainly aware of the interest in Yasukuni-to. In Japan, awareness of Yasukuni-to was being encouraged by the polisher Fujishiro, whose home and workshop were also in Kudan-shita. I am sure you are aware of certain basic NBTHK shinsa rules that state they will not shinsa a sword when the swordsmith is still alive. This may well have excluded many gendaito whose makers had survived the war, in the early days of the NBTHK. Now the Juto law, which applies to firearms and swords, does not allow the importation of swords marked with arsenal stamps and therefore, they are not accepted for shinsa. I understand that these days such swords would be returned to the overseas owner but they used to risk being destroyed as they are considered as simply weapons with no artistic merit. It is no use you asking if anyone on NMB who are members of the NBTHK (as am I) would enquire on your behalf if star-stamped swords have been through shinsa. The information that you want is not available and if they had “accidentally” accepted a star-stamped sword for shinsa as is rumoured in the past, they certainly would not admit to it, especially to a gaijin! I hope this is useful within the context of the thread. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I have just heard that Nagayama sensei passed away on 22nd March, aged 90. For those who may be unaware, Nagayama sensei was a Ningen Kokuho in the field of sword polishing and founded the Nagayama Kenshujo, teaching the Honami style of polishiing. He was the writer of Token Kantei Dokuhon which was translated into English (by Mishina sensei) as the Conniseur's Book of Japanese Swords for which I was honoured to have written the Introduction. It goes without saying that his finest legacy is in the number of first class polishers that he created, who continue the tradition and standards set by Nagayama Kokan. Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen What an interesting discussion. In passing I woud mention that in this most interesting Bakamatsu era, Sakamoto Ryoma, a skilled swordsman and emperor restoration supporter, was known to have worn a Smith and Wesson at one time and used it to escape assasination in Kyoto (see my article "The Real Last Samurai" on http://www.to-ken.com under Articles). I also saw a very well mounted percussion pistol in aikuchi-type koshirae for sale at Bonhams in London a couple of years ago. Hope you are well Ian. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Mr Lewis I noticed these terms have not been explained. Moro-ha zukuri is a blade, usually but not exclusively tanto, with two cutting edges whilst hira-zukuri, also usually tanto, is a flat blade with no shinogi. Clive Sinclaire

Dear Australian Gentlemen I received a letter today from Penny Armytage, the Secretary of the Department of Justice in Melbourne. As I am the Chairman of a Club that has "Excemption for Prohibited Weapons Pursuant to the Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Swords)". It basically reminded me of my responsibilities to ensure that my members are compliant with the "conditions underpinning the excemption". Also enclosed , was a notice of the conditions of "General Excemption". I received this as I was part of the consultation process in 2003/4 when all this happened. I think this is simply a reminder for you guys to belong to recognised and excempted clubs and to let you know who is in charge, rather than any particular threat. Clive Sinclaire

I see I have been quoted again, that's twice on this thread, such close scrutiny is quite flattering but rather daunting. Unfortunately in Grey's pictures it is not clear to me who is the giver and who is the recipient. However, I would recommend attending Grey's etiquete lectures at the San Francisco Taikai if you can make it. I would also emphasise that correct etiquette is even more important for non-Japanese than for Japanese. Your sword handling is often watched closely and commented upon when in Japan and you carry the gaijin's reputation with you. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I am researching Harima Daijo Shigetaka (Echizen-nidai specifically) and wondered if anyone could assist. Particularly, I am interested to know by whom they might have been retained. I am assuming they were retained as there were eleven generations right up to the end of the Edo period. Also, as they seem to have been reasonably close to the Yasatsugu, and the shodai also worked in Edo, I wonder if they may have been retained by a branch of the Tokugawa family? Any inside info on this would be very much appreciated. Regards Clive Sinclaire.

Oops! I see it is already there Clive

Gentlemen I remember the sword that was presented to POW on his visit the Naval base at Kure near Hiroshima, in May 1922. I still have the nakago only oshigata (which I will put on the UK Sword Register at http://www.to-ken.com) and remember thinking that although it was OK, the sword by Hiraga Morikuni, was not of outstanding quality.It was Mino in style with a sanbon-tsugi hamon and it was commissioned by a local magazine, based in Kure and entitled Kure Kuron. It was, as already stated, sold at auction for a relatively modest price. Clive PS:I actually bought a sword and a tsuba at a London Arms Fair yesterday - the first purchase in nearly 3 years - joy and sake at the Sinclaire household!

Gentlemen I can see that this discussion is becoming very much too academic for me at this time of day. However, if I might make a couple of points. Although hama-mono is considered as a derogatory term it does not always have to be so. If Reinhart's tsuba are hama-mono then they are of very good quality. We also know that people such as the Aizu Shoami tsuba group were copying and making tsuba almost exclusivelty for the babarians at Yokohama and of course, the Komai workers from Kyoto were making western objects with Japanese designs. I have a daisho of very good quality that was made by the Omori with undercut waves everywhere, but I cannot imagine it being worn by anyone, let alone a samurai and I am sure that it is hama-mono. I quite like the idea that it may have been worn by a "cheap hooker anbandoned by all gignity and all sense of humour" - my kind of gal! Clive Sinclaire PS Sorry to have dragged the discussion down to my level - please forgive me.

Gentlemen again The book I mentioned about Saigo Takamori is was written by Charles L Yates not Paul Akimitsu who wrote Meiji 1868. Also, no problem reproducing it Doug, feel free. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlmen Thanks awfully for the valuable input, especially Piers. I know that there are many varied opinions regarding Saigo and also Katsu Kaishu, to some they are almost saints and to others they are not. Particularly Saigo Takamori seems to have become the Dai Saigo of legend since his death and the cold facts of his life are difficult to fully appreciate, I think. (I would recommend SAIGO TAKAMORI by Paul Akamatsu for a good investigation of Saigo the real man rather than the Dai Saigo of legend). As for Katsu Kaishu, he has my respect as a master swordsman but I think no politian, either then or now, can be whiter than white if he is to survive. As for the sea-sickness, he has my sympathy as a fellow sufferer! Thanks also for the literal corrections of Sankin and Ii but I hope it was enjoyed in spite of the shortcomings. Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I have just completed an article for a magazine about the samurai of the Bakamatsu period and their swords. It may be found on http://www.to-ken.com under Articles and is entitled The Real Last Samurai. I must say that I very much enjoyed writing it and would welcome any criticisms, corrections or other comments you might care to make. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen I have been having a bit of a clear out at home and have some 190 catalogues of Japanese sales, which are surplus to requirements. Mostly they are sales from the 1980's and 1990's and from the London auction houses (Christies 77, Sotheby's 79 and misc others 34). As they may be useful references, rather than consign them to be recycled, they are free to anyone that wants them, the only proviso being that you collect them (near London, UK). Let me know if they are of any interest. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Hi Eric I have had a similar case recently. It is my understanding that under no circumstances will NBTHK re-issue old papers of any kind. I guess the opportunities for fraud are too great. The close proximity of Aoi Art to NBTHK is irrelavent I am afraid. Clive Sinclaire

Gentlemen May I recommend to you a useful little Kantei Nyusatsu handbook by Paul Martin that was recently mentioned on the NMB by the author. Whilst I know that some are nervous about participating in Kanei Nyusatsu and others completly refuse to participate, for reasons best known to themselves, this little booklet may help both them and beginners to Japanese sword blades. Descriptions of blade shapes, periods and likely smiths are given in a neat and concise manner and there is an important Sword Appreciation and Etiquette section. The extensive Dozen list covers Koto, Shinto and Shinshinto alternatives. I cannot say that it covers the vaste subject of Japanese swords in great detail, but it is modestly priced and affordable by all. I hope it will encourage others to take part in Kantei Nyusatsu with a degree of confidence. Clive Sinclaire

John On first sight of the kissaki and boshi on this sword I thought it looked like shinshinto Mino work. The example on my oshigata was also shinshinto (Shizu Saburo Kaneuji) and, if my memory serves me, was a late Kanesada who changed his name to Kaneuji. Regards Clive Sinclaire PS: Of course I don't mind you using my oshigata, that's one of the reasons I draw them. (just can't believe it was 12 years ago that I did it!)

Ed I heard that Al Bardi is taking it on next year and intends keeping the same venue but will give it more publicity, but then I am in UK and a bit out of touch these days. Regards Clive Sinclaire

Best wishe and a Happy New Year of the tora to all in the Japanese sword community. (It's oshigata day today!) Clive Sinclaire

I am not really sure that the gold seal on your fine tsuba would be classed as a kakihan. Clive

Hi John and Brian Thanks for your help on this one. I do have the To-ken Bijutsu memtioned and there are certainly similarities. I guess it will have to go into shinsa at some time but I have about 30 more that would probably preceed it! Hope you are all enjoying Boxing Day Regards Clive

Gentlemen Speaking for To-ken Society of GB, we have had no confirmation that this will happen. All I have seen are (apart from NMB) notes stating that there may be a shinsa, but no indication of where or when it will take place. It is my impression that at the moment, certain individuals are simply testing the viability of such an event, but not comiting to it. If and when things are more definite, we will certainly publicise it on our website, especially as the organisers are personal acquaintances of mine. Regards Clive Sinclaire

John The plate is shakudo, I also attach a picture of the ura. Clive