Florida Token kai

[Ed]

This years Florida Token Kai seems to have been successful for the most part. They were many dealers and pretty good crowds despite the looming recession. There were table after table of swords, tsuba, fittings and various related items. The bigger dealers were there such as Bushido, Nihonto.com, Nihonto.us, Masamune Swords, with incredible swords and fittings. Many other dealers attended as well, all with great merchandise and prices. There were also an abundance of private collectors in attendance selling some top quality pieces. Swords which included Hizen, Gassan, Rai swords. Tsuba and fittings including Goto, Higo, Akasaka, Bushu, Choshu, Omori etc., etc.

 

Several of the NMB's own along with myself were in attendance. Barry Hennick, with some great Hizen swords as well as fittings, inro, etc.. Curran was there with an awesome Juyo sword and many high end fittings. Pete attended and had many beautiful tsuba. There were a few others also such as Quang, Grey and Mark. That is all I can think of for now, sorry if I missed anyone.

 

Personally, though I did not bring an abundance of merchandise, it was a sell out. In the closing minutes it became quite interesting as I was selling Vegas style, ie; make an offer and we flip for your (reasonable) offer or my price. I must thank Barry Hennick for giving me a "lucky" nickel, which provided me with nothing but wins.

 

Hands on exhibits and lectures were provided by the NBTHK/AB. The swords provided for our learning experience were all Juyo pieces with the exception of one which is Juyo quality. They included Bizen Kagehide (c. 1265), Bizen Chikakage (c. 1325), Ko-Bizen Tomomasa (c. 1200), Fukuoka Ichimonji (c. 1250), and Enju Kunisuke (c. 1275).

 

The Goto Fittings lecture and exhibit by Jim Gilbert was also impressive and informative. A number of early Goto artisans were represented for our scrutiny. The examples included 2nd gen. Sojo(1461-1538), 5th gen. Tokujo (1550-1631), 7th gen Kenjo (1586-1663), etc.. Jim is relentless in his studies and is a valuable asset to the collecting community. He is always willing to share information and his lectures are always elucidative.

 

After hours it was wine, women and song. Seriously, lots of good food, drink and camaraderie.

 

For a few photos follow the link: http://yakiba.com/florida_tokenkai_08.htm

 

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[Brian]

Thank you Ed, we can always count on you for a great write-up and nice photos.

It is nice to be able to put faces to the names too..and I see you slipped in there for a change too :D

These shows look like a lot of fun and some serious business can be done too. I guess I join many of the members overseas in being VERY jealous, but I will definitely make it over oneday.

 

Brian