davel

I’m not sure if I have the translations right, but I’m looking for more information on this smith. From what I have found, he was born in 1954 and was the eldest son of the Mukansa smith Munetsutomu / Mune Tsutomu (宗勉). His art name appears to be Munekaneyoshi (宗兼好), though I would appreciate confirmation on the correct reading. Do these links represent examples of his work? https://www.e-sword.jp/sale/2009/0910_1124syousai.htm https://www.giheiya.com/shouhin_list/gallery_img/iaiyoushinken/00-1074.html https://www.samuraishokai.jp/sword/19136.html Any additional information about this smith, his career, or his works would be greatly appreciated

Was more thinking in terms of copyright on the pics being used but i'm no legal person.

Great project! But can't stop wondering if dealers are ok with you using their listings/pics? Unless they all agreed of course

That's also an option

In case some folks are interested https://www.czernys.com/cat/Asta158/

Thxs Ray!

thxs @Ray Singer so date is not Keian roku nen hachi gatsu hi?

Hi, Anyone who can translate this? Gimei? Asking for a friend.. thxs!

Made a small extenion that analyse the page you're on and (try) to give you more information. If anyone is interested let me know and i send the instructions over. you do need an openAI API (small fee) it's gpt so hallucinations can be included

Yes because @Jussi Ekholm is spot on Some of these iaito were/are pretty heavy and people over here used to sharpen it themselves on a grinder.

Not sure because +30yr ago there wasn't much available on the Chinese market and they definitely couldn't make such a nicely shaped tsuka and uniform diamonds/maki as on this piece. Most still can't today

Indeed, emailed them and got this reply : While our expert suggests this appears to be a photo compositing mistake made during the editing process...

Thxs for the confirmation Geraint. Seems like it's better to feed GPT piece by piece and not a whole page. Let's see if we can solve the habaki mystery as well

GPT is translating this as a bayonet (銃剣?) sword but how exactely is that being mounted on a rifle if that's true? And did somebody photoshopped this habaki or are we looking at a real one :)?

Thxs for the info @DirkO

Saw this one recently on FB:

I would need to lookup the conversation again but as far as i can recall they were asuming this was made during the Shōwa period and sheep were already imported by that time > https://www.oldtokyo.com/sheep-grazing-in-the-shadow-of-ezo-fuji-hokkaido-c-1930/

That's a first one for me Found it on X

What you can do to get a rough idea is install ChatGPT app on your phone, make a pic and ask to translate? They're usually ok with general descriptions. Names not so much

Interesting.. Richard posted this very similar piece a while back

Although i've never bought them here, it might be worth taking a look https://www.metalsmithing-tools.com/shop

Here you go > https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24151/lot/95/an-iron-kyo-sukashi-tsuba-early-edo-period-1615-1868-early-17th-century-3/

That sounds like a bargain.

Another variation (which may be up for sale soon?) https://www.facebook.com/groups/937276629616004/posts/24189734333943572