Hokke

A good example is a Bushu that Grey had on his site very briefly before it was snapped up. When I saw it, the first thing that came to mind was, that looks like like a lot of mind numbing finishing work to get the curves smoothed out so that iron can have the appearance of looking “soft”. Then the transition angles from the elements to the rim.

I posted my reply as I was preparing to head out the door to work and was not as careful in my composition as usual. I don’t want to give the impression that I don’t appreciate the works you cited, because I do, they just aren’t as visually attractive to me. That said, I don’t ever refuse the opportunity to examine them closely. I guess for me there are two types of appreciation - Appreciation for the work and skill involved in its production regardless of the school Same as above but……I WANTS IT!

For me, it's the exact opposite. Plate tsuba like sukashi where there is only a piercing and little to no texture or dimensional geometry, have little visual appeal to me. As someone who has to engrave on a regular basis, but on a MUCH smaller scale, im amazed at the level of smooth curves and fine detail that was achieved with handmade tools.

Turning down an award recognizing your ability to be a great liar is not difficult to imagine

Because it’s an award, it’s recognition, who doesn’t want recognition of their work? Samuel Colt is considered a pioneer for his work in bringing the revolver firearm mass assembly into reality. That all on its own was a great accomplishment, but do you think he turned down the Silver Telford Medal? Of course not, why would anyone turn down an award. But that award gave him no more standing or value than he would have had without it. Awards are awards……..perhaps more valuable to romantics of history than the actual recipients.

And how about composition, age, you didn’t mention shipping cost, is it free worldwide? You know, BASIC information

@Bugyotsuji thank you sir, I appreciate it. Was she referring to "ages" as in actual age, or was she speaking to different ages of time? Thought it would be more.....clever. i dont really get it either way, but then, im not an artist.

Could someone tell me what she said about the rubber ducky exhibit? The auto translate feature was spotty and nonsensical.

Yes......and yet somehow im not lashing out complaining about them and demanding their removal, followed by a insincere apology blaming my ethnicity for my temper tantrum.

Dont be dramatic its a simple as choices and consequences better choices.......better consequences

Going to need some prices Julian. Are you selling them as a set or individually? What ware the specs? What forms of payment to you accept? Will you ship worldwide, EU, Asia?

Calm down chum, you of all people are not entitled to demand anything of anyone. Vajo made an observation, period.

I have seen on several occasions where a blade from that seller has sold only to be relisted a short time later. I have never done business with him, so I don’t know anything about his practices, however, it’s likely one of two reasons. Either the buyer backs out after auction end, or the bids are artificially run up.

Jean, although I fully agree with you about the need to post the items here directly, it seems he is within the rules for this section. Rule reads: If you are selling something, please post a price indication. Do not ask people to contact you for the price. If you do not have an exact price, then please put a rough guide to what you are after, and mention that the price isn't firm or is negotiable. For sale posts without a price will be deleted. $300-$400 is a "rough guide" although he does need to state the prices he eventually gives are negotiable. For me, I dont click on google drive links, so im out.

This is kiri motif or Paulownia Dan Massey has one signed for sale on his site http://www.nihontocraft.com/Moriyoshi_Iyo_Shoami_200.jpg

@Toryu2020 Yes, precisely.......since you decided to play such a dirty trick and dangle the unattainable carrot, will you be so kind as to at least provide me the details of your piece?

Looking for a solid iron tessen, i.e. non folding. I know they are pretty obscure and don’t pop up too often, but figured there might me some lurking out there. Only stipulation is that it needs to be in the US since I refuse to participate in this tariff nonsense. Thanks

Hmmmmm..... Well, Ill have to take a look in my account and see if there is enough there or maybe borrow from friends., although I dont what the total will come out to after all the fees and charges are applied. Do we even know the tarriff for the US right now that might apply? Im sure my wife will have something to say, so I should probably run it by her first since she knows more about nihonto than I do and I dont know much about these tanto. My new years resolution was to make fewer snap decision purchases and really think about them since that has gotten me in trouble in the past. Hell I just put some tyres on my truck and I think I spent too much, so eveytime I see them, I have to kick them. Sorry bro, had to do it........Good luck with the sale, personally, I think it looks better than you described it.

That is a terrible replica...... Fortunately I have a service where I will take this off your hands and properly dispose of it........and I won't even charge you. You can trust me, I go to church. Seriously though, wow......what a beautiful piece

@CurranIt’s hard to tell from the picture, is there an inlay in the eyes?

That is certainly a strikingly resemblance, particularly in the f/k. Beautiful set, I can see why Tomotake signed them all proudly.

I have to agree with Alex on this one in absence of better pictures. Speaking as someone who has spent an embarrassing amount of money on tatami mats over the years, this pattern of wear can easily be the result of tameshigiri. That said, there are a number of alternative cutting mediums that could have contributed as well since tatami isnt "expensive" in the strictest sense of the word, but it sure isnt cheap, especially if you require them to be shipped. As for the placement of the wear, again, I would concur with Alex. There are two types of tameshigiri....first is to simply test the sword and its sharpness. The second is more practical where speed and placement are the focus and cutting through the mat is secondary. The fastest part of any blade is the tip.....and it also allows for maximum distance from your opponent..... there are several schools that focus on this type of training.

Perfect, thank you