Considering a few things, would like some opinions...

[Tsuku]

My apologies if I am crossing any boundaries here. I was looking through Aoi's catalog, a few things caught my eye as potentially interesting, and I thought I would ask some opinions. My interest in collecting is around exemplary historical artifacts in two periods: koto from the Nanbokucho period and early shinto (Edo period through Genroku era or so).

 

I don't think most of these are to the level of, say, a Kanemitsu (maybe that Chikakage, though?) — but maybe there are some good examples in here of specific smiths doing superb work. Here are the ones that caught my eye:

 

Koto

Sa Hiroyasu https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-mumeiunsigned-attributed-as-sa-hiroyasu64th-nbthk-juyo-token/

 

Chikakage https://www.aoijapan.com/tachi-bizen-kuni-osafune-jyu-chikakage-ryakuo-4-nen-gatsuhi-jyuyo-token-46/

mumei attrib. Kanenaga with koshirae https://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi-kanenaga-kencho36th-nbthk-juyo-token/

(Normally the only wakizashi I would consider is one from Tadatsuna, but this one really caught my eye. The hamon is wild and almost untamed, so bold!)

 

Shinto

Masahiro (1st) with koshirae https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-hizen-kuni-kawachi-daijo-masahiro-first-generation61st-nbthk-juyo-paper/

(Of the two currently on Aoi, I think this one is superior.)

Kunisuke https://www.aoijapan.com/katanakawauchi-kami-fujiwara-kunisuke-1st-generation/

Yasutsugu (4th) https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-yasutsugu-motte-nanbantetsu-oite-bushu/

 

I would greatly welcome any thoughts and opinions!

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome aboard. If your pocketbook can stand the strain, by all means buy juyo blades. You'll never really have to worry about provenance, & value is unlikely to drop very far.

 

My only question is whether you'll actually study those blades, or just put them on a shelf? We all collect Nihonto for different reasons, & although I'm unlikely to ever own a juto, I've spent many a pleasant hour getting familiar with the blades I have.

[Fuuten]

Perhaps I can interest you in a marriage proposal?😂

[NewB]

There are many local collectors (such as myself) who have high end blades available for sale. Best to do is narrow down price point, school/smith and then just ask around the forum

 

Aoi is a great reputable place but why take a risk with purchasing from overseas when similar quality is available locally?! no hassle, no sleepless nights. Just a thought

 

 

J.

[Tsuku]

11 hours ago, Fuuten said:

Perhaps I can interest you in a marriage proposal?😂

 

That's very kind of you, but my fiancée may have some objections, and she puts up with me — sorry! 

[Tsuku]

22 hours ago, Ken-Hawaii said:

My only question is whether you'll actually study those blades, or just put them on a shelf? We all collect Nihonto for different reasons, & although I'm unlikely to ever own a juto, I've spent many a pleasant hour getting familiar with the blades I have.

 

I think I understand what you are saying, and appreciate the comment. I generally do not leave things on shelves and forget about them. (Except for bottles of wine, which sometimes get stuck in corners and forgotten about and joyously rediscovered.) I try not to own many things, but the things I do have are a part of my daily life, and I spend many happy moments regarding, considering, and contemplating them. That's much of the fun, isn't it?