Pete Klein

Ono Yoshimitsu comes to mind.

OK Matt - thanks. I didn't notice this: 'First picture to show scale" so I thought the F/K was by Natsuo - but didn't look like his work. Bad day - very under the weather - doesn't surprise me at all. lol

Is the F/K papered to Kano Natsuo?

ROFLMAO...

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19540-nobuie-translation-project/?hl=nobuie Steven - I believe this was the thread.

I would.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabukimono I have long held the early 'Heianjo' tsube were worn by the 'kabukimono' as you don't wear something 'quiet' when dressed and acting extravagantly. The time period would coincide appropriately as well. Here is one I have posted previously:

Yes, that tsuba is from Mitsuru Ito san sensei's Japan based study group which shares on FB. He is quite remarkable.

Here is the contact info: http://ny-tokenkai.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/nytokenkai I wish I didn't live so far away as I would definitely be a member. I doubt they will have any live meetings until Fall as they usually don't meet in Summer but might have another Zoom. I'll try to remember to post if I find out.

Every time I read/watch/talk with Markus Sesko I get the distinct feeling I'm one of the guys from Wayne's World; "I'm not Worthy"... LOL

Probably a reminder to the evanescence of all things.

I believe this hanare mei example has a bit of that effect:

Mike - it's spelled 'habaki'.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/facetoface/20200426/2043057/ This should also be available 'On Demand' next week.

Temporary suspension of international mail delivery to the United States of America 23 Apr 2020 We have just been informed of the significant delay in the delivery of international mail to the United States of America due to the flight reduction and suspension of aircrafts due to the global spread of new coronavirus infections. Therefore, effective April 24 (Friday) onward's, they will temporarily stop accepting the following international packages addressed to the United States of America. Notice from Japan Post https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2020/0423_03.html In response to this, until Japan Post resumes the service and acceptance of packages for the United States, effective April 23 (Thursday), Buyee will stop the delivery to the United States of America for the following delivery methods: EMS AIR International Parcel AIR small package （* SAL international packages and small packages are no longer accepted） We apologize for the inconvenience caused this time and we wish to express to you our gratitude for your patience and understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Support, if you have any questions and concerns. Contact us We will also notify you as soon as we receive any further updates from Japan Post. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This was posted on Buyee bidding service. I also received info from a friend in Japan. SEA mail apparently will be available but of course takes on average two months. I am not aware of Fed Ex or other service availabilities but they are generally much more expensive.

Ford, After all the years that you have known me do you really believe that I of all people do not know the difference in quality between say an Ichijo and a Tokujo and that the Ichijo is a quantum leap forward from the Shirobei master's work? Common, get real already! Pete

Florian - thanks for explaining the point I was attempting to make.

Florian - I would say the Oeder one would be earlier simply due to the finer craftsmanship. The other one is, shall we say, 'heavier'. The one from the Oeder collection (I have the first ed. book) is listed there as Owari. I also thought Heianjo Sukashi or Kyo Sukashi due to the fine carving more typical of early Kyoto work but the seppa dai does have an Owari feel to it by shape and the tagane. The second one is not in best condition, unfortunately.

Torokusho (sp) is shut down from what I understand due to the epidemic restrictions so the blades cannot be de-listed by the police.

http://www.shibuiswords.com/books.htm There are two and from what Mr. Haynes told me a couple years ago there will be no more additional volumes. Scroll down to: CORRIGENDA ET ADDENDA

Grey has a copy here: https://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/books/b972-owari-mikawa-no-tanko-translation

Chris - if you look at the 'ura' (reverse) side you can see the channels where the wire was inserted. The 'omote' (obverse) shows the wire. The design is then created with a fine 'tagane' (chisel) to make a rope effect. It's all been lost on the ura (the plate appears to have been re-patinated as well but a bit difficult to tell in the pics). Suffice it to say it's probably 'Heianjo' generic work but not pre-Edo. The mimi (rim) is possibly colored by another method. I can't tell from the pics.

I just can't resist: Backstreet, Ft. Lauderdale!!!

Mike Yamasaki has/had one on www.tetsugendo.com - better to find him on FaceBook though:

https://www.kusanaginosya.com/SHOP/208.html Perhaps you should add the NBTHK to your 'invention' list...? How about Ginza Choshya as well...? http://ginza.choshuya.co.jp/fs/sale/kodogu/2001_3000/2501_3000/2938/k2938.htm Aoi...? http://www.sword-auction.jp/ja/content/af17467-鍔%EF%BC%9A無銘%EF%BC%88春田%EF%BC%89-tsubamumeiunsigned%EF%BC%88haruta%EF%BC%89