New Member Introductions

[oli]

hi @Toki ,

 

welcome, nice to see more people from germany joining

[Toki]

Thank you @oli!

[Bloodaxe924]

Hey! I’m Shaun. I live in Kentucky and I have just started to research some items from my Grandfather and his brother who were both in the marine corps. My Great uncle was a little older and joined just as WW2 was ending and luckily never saw combat, although he did see the aftermath as he was stationed on midway island when the bombs dropped. He was a (very organized) hoarder and saved every scrap of everything in his life until he passed about 10 years ago. He left a treasure trove of memories and historical items behind and I was lucky enough to inherit a few things, including the Shin Gunto and the silk painting that I recently shared. My family also has a lot of German items from that time period as some of the family emigrated from there in the 30s. Everyone has been super nice and helpful so far. I really appreciate it!

[Bruce Pennington]

Welcome, Shaun!  Now that you've dipped your toe in the Japanese sword world, do you plan to start collecting?

[Bloodaxe924]

5 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Welcome, Shaun!  Now that you've dipped your toe in the Japanese sword world, do you plan to start collecting?

As much as I enjoy Asian art of all mediums, I am much more of an amateur genealogist than a collector. My passion is in finding where my ancestors came from and their stories along the way. This sword and silk painting are just a small blip on the map of my family’s story and in my opinion never truly belonged to them other than the fact that my uncle was on midway island. No disrespect for military collectors, it’s just not sentimental to me in a way that some things are that directly tell a part of my family’s history. I have a deep respect for Japanese culture and art and find it very interesting, but I am not financially stable enough to collect any of it. Especially recently as I have been on disability due to medical issues. I was asking because I was curious about not only the value, but the history behind the sword. I’m not sure if I want to sell it currently, but I would love for it to go to someone like the kind folks I’ve conversed with on this forum. I know anyone on here would care for it and respect it and appreciate as much as I have and even more. Thank you for the information you’ve shared. I was really stumped about the black saya. Sounds like a lot of folks are as well 😂

[Izu]

Hello everyone,

My name is Karol and I’m excited to join this community of Japanese sword enthusiasts. I've always had a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind nihonto. I’ve been collecting for a 10 years now (or actualy got my first pair of swords- shin gunto hand made and nco one) and am eager to learn more about the different styles, techniques, and care practices. 

I’m particularly interested in late muromachi period as im die hard fan of 1980 ,,Shogun" and all  historical aspects f it. I look forward to sharing insights and connecting with fellow members who share my passion. 

Thank you for having me!

 

                        Karol

Edited October 21 by Izu

[Scogg]

Hi @Izu Karol, welcome to the forum! 

Something that is often overlooked by new members, is the "Nihonto info" and "Downloads" section up at the top of the page. Lots of amazing content and resources in there.

Welcome, and feel free to share your swords with us if willing.
All the best,
-Sam

[MassiveMoonHeh]

Hi, my name is Brett (ブレット) from Australia - first time poster, long time follower.

 

I decided to join as I have always been in awe of the craftsmanship, care and attention the Japanese put into everything they set their mind to working on so that it is not just good but the best in class; be it Whiskey, Furniture, Cars, Silks or Swords. It is always beautifully done with a wonderful understated elegance that hides the hours put in the back rooms perfecting their craft. To say I am fan is understated. 

 

In this regard, Nihonto Swordsmiths quite possibly set the standard that other Japanese pursuits attempt to replicate and follow. You can see why their work is so revered. I love the artwork and craftsmanship and whilst this is something I think most people globally appreciate, I feel it is probably the most under rated and under valued art form. I would love to see this change. Can you imagine when rare and beautifully crafted Nihonto are auctioned off at Christie's or Sotherby's during their annual art auctions at the same level and frequency as any Old Master, Impressionist Painter or Sculptor - not just some one off collection in 1992? When international art museums scramble to ensure a few of the great names are part of their collection? When Masamune is considered globally as great as Leonardo Da Vinci in terms of the mastery of a functional work of art?  I think only then will we be able to say the world has cottoned on to the magic of this art form - until then this is flying so far under the radar. 

 

I like to think that the Old Masters only really started hitting record prices some 200 plus years after they laid their hands on a paintbrush in the late 1800s. Japan only opened itself up to the rest of the world in 1853 when Matthew Perry (not the Friends guy) and the US ended the 220 year period of self isolation introducing the wonders of the Japanese culture to the rest of the world. Japan for most the world is still relatively new in terms of discovery and experience of culture. Yes we have all tried Sushi and perhaps even did Judo or Karate as a kid (to be like Karate Kid) but we have not all seen a Kamakura Tachi. People understand craftsmanship. It's time will come.

 

As an aside, did anyone else notice that one of the greatest to ever master the craft Gō Yoshihiro is also part of the 27 club? Things I think about.

 

Any way, that is me. I look forward to reading and learning more from all you wonderful people and hopefully we can start putting some colour and flesh onto the wonderful histories of these incredible artists - the Nihonto Swordsmiths.

 

Thank you.

ありがとう