For those who like it simple

[Ian]

With a trend that seems to be leaning towards ostentatious koshirae. I thought those who know, might like this.

Enjoy.

 

regards

[John A Stuart]

I have removed the comments not specific to the koshirae in question and let us start again. Focus on the specifics, not generalities, please. John

[Soshin]

Hi Ian C.,

 

How large is the tsuba? To me it look like a Ko-kinko tsuba but I would love to have a forntal view of the tsuba unmounted. Thank you very much for time.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

[Henry Wilson]

To me it looks like a nice late Edo handachi with all the original pieces intact and in good condition. I especially like the profile of the koshirae in general. The colour of the fittings and the leather, as well as the patina look very nice too.

 

Can I ask where you bought it?

 

There is a chance the leather and lacquer might crack. I am sure someone could comment on ideal storage conditions.

 

Markus Sesko's book on koshirae gives a good overview of handachi.

[Soshin]

Hi Henry W.,

 

I have never seen a copper late Edo handachi koshirae before. The lacquer work on the saya is also really nice. Ian, is the handle wrapped with clear lacquer leather?

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[Toryu2020]

In a word; UMAI!!

 

Thank you Ian for sharing,

-t

[runagmc]

Interesting kurikata... Also, has the semegane been moved up from it's original location?

[raiden]

Nice koshirae! Its nice to see that people still appreciate original ubu koshirae, the lacquer and the handle wrap are very precious as they cannot be redone like the original with the same feeling of age. Very nice!

[Marius]

If you like genuine period koshirae, as opposed to all those sloppy Frankenstein jobs as seen on eBay (and elsewhere), look at the top three on Boris's site:

http://www.yamabushiantiques.com/YBA2_KOSHIRAE.htm

 

and another one here:

http://www.yamabushiantiques.com/KOSHIRAE20.htm

and here:

http://www.yamabushiantiques.com/BM%20U ... hirae1.htm

[Ian]

Hello Gents,

 

I thought you might appreciate it. I'll post a photograph of the tsuba later. Because of it's age ( I think to me late 1500 ) all of the fittings are a little loose and move from their original positions. The Saya, if you notice, picture 4, is actually very fine lacquered leather with microscopic stitching. I don't think that the leather is cow hide; it may be sarugawa?

 

I have had this sword in my collection for a number of years and actually got it from a guy who told me he got it from Kato Kyomasa shrine in the '40s.

 

I must apologise for being somewhat vague on my posts; I think I have spent too much time in Japan, and expect people to read between the lines rather than stating things.

[Alex A]

Where better place to pick up a katana with nice fittings, such as this.

 

Alex.

[kaigunair]

+1 for Boris and Andy's site . Just picked up a copper themed tsuka from boris & andy myself ( ), though not as refined as Ian's (which I think is lovely). I saw my original question was removed, but I was wondering if the original set is later Edo period (revival) or an earlier pre-Edo piece. Given that its copper, I guess it would be considered yamagane (earlier works) vs suaka (later edo) depending more on the period of construction?

 

I was going to post mine in the crypto-christian section, but since its also copper and somewhat simple, thought it would be ok to post here:

 

It much longer in hand than it looks (I initially thought it would be wakizashi sized...)

[Henry Wilson]

Hi Ian

 

Thank you for more information. If the koshirae is from 1500s (I am not doubting that it is), then it is in excellent condition. Congratulations on finding such a nice old original peice. I have recently realised I base judging age a lot on condition, which is why I said late Edo. I need to stop doing this and look harder at what is presented, rather than focus on condition.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[BMarkhasin]

Ian,

Thanks for sharing this handachi koshirae on the forum. It is refreshing to see a simple, elegant koshirae with some age. I particularly like the lacquered leather saya. Overall a very nice look and feel.

 

Best Regards,

Boris.