Tairyûsai Sôkan

[kissakai]

Hi

I have just purchased a Tairyûsai Sôkan katana from James Lawson and after doing a bit of research I found his early works are made in much the same style as his teacher, Munetsugu.

In 1854 he changed his name to Tairyusai Sokan. At that time, he also changed his style of workmanship and created his own individual style.

 

I was wondering whether collectors prefer his early or later style of workmanship

 

 

Grev UK

[paulb]

Hi Grev

The fact he is best known by his later name suggests either he was more polific in that period or his works were better. I think he comes from a very strong tradition and foundation so none of his work would be less than good. As with many artists who refine their style I think it likely his later work was better than his early pieces but as with much else the choice will be more subjective than otherwise.

[Toryu2020]

I find that among Shinshinto works his sugata are better, more elegant than say Munetsugu. Always seem to like his work over his teachers.

-t

[Surfson]

I bought one off eBay a few years ago and had it polished.  Here are a couple of photos.  

[kissakai]

Thanks for your comments and images

 

 

Grev UK

[Surfson]

By the way, I have heard complaints that his swords are "boring" and nearly mujihada, but in fact, this sword has a fabulous active hada and is anything but boring.  Do you like yours?

[kissakai]

Yes I do like mine and when I can take a decent photo (I've tried a few times but the images are just no good) I will add to this post

My take on it is that his early swords were a reflection of his teacher but by doing his own thing he is stating this is me!

So I prefer his later work which I would describe as a true Sokan sword

I can understand the boring comment but look at a perfect circle that by definition is perfect but another would call it boring

Prior to buying I wanted a straightish hamon (re my circle  reference) which I have and the hamon only reveals itself (like many other good swords) under close scrutiny

The other features are understated but this is it's appeal

 

 

Grev UK

[w.y.chan]

Not sure I can really add anything useful on Koyama school. I only handle one Munetsugu at the BM and it had some of the finest most beautiful hada and only visible up close in good light. Objectively looking at it from a distant it did not stood out immediately. Also if it is in older polish it might be interpreted as muji hada but modern polish are able to reveal the hada much better. The Ji-nie are also very fine and sparkles when catches the light at certain angle. I notice these same characteristics on a Manji Masatsugu blade that took after Koyama Munetsugu which I had a lot of time studying. After looking at the Masatsugu jigane I felt slightly less impress looking at the jigane of most other swords.

 

 

Wah

[kissakai]

Hi

I took many images over the last couple of days in differing light conditions and settings but all were pretty naff but have added a couple

 

This one because one of his pointers was the file marks on the nakago but it was only today I saw the same file 'lines' are reflected in the habaki which I think is a bit cool

 

 

 

I just can't get an image that sows the 'ashi' part of hamon correctly although I can see it!

 

 

Grev UK

 

 

[kissakai]

The habaki doesn't show very well so I added one just of the habaki

 

 

 

Grev Uk