Ode to a great man - Willis Hawley

[simonjbinks]

I have only just joined this group. I have been collecting swords since 1981, but not for many years. This subject may already have been covered and forgive me if so, but I just felt an urge to pay homage to something we probably all take for granted.

 

The vast majority of Western collectors reply heavily upon Hawley's vast tome, without which so many of us would be lost. Exceptions to those who have put the time and effort in to be fluent in Kanji and kana beyond mere province, mei and date, but the majority may not even start collecting beyond an occasional chance encounter without Hawley's exceptional work.

 

I purchased my edition of 'Japanese Swordsmiths - Revised', to replace the two smaller prior publications, off Willis Hawley personally. One time in LA, I merely called his number, he answered, and asked me over to his home, a vast yet elegant mansion in the Hollywood Hills.

 

A true gentleman, he was a fine host over a number of hours, showing me a vast Chinese wall hanging he claimed to be "Worth more than the house" and of particular interest to him was a blade that had been damaged beyond repair that he had chosen to test to the limits of Nihonto steel.

 

Over cups of tea, he showed me how he had battered and chizelled away at this sword and though his work was obvious in the deep gauges he had caused, he was truly fascinated at how resilliant the blade had been. I must admit to being less impressed with the resilliance of the blade than I was with his passionate curiosity.

 

Being a successful musician myself, I have met many famous people; actors, musicians and politicians. Few impressed me as much as Willis Hawley. Actually, few have impressed me at all.

 

His generosity of spirit, as much as the enormity of his work that we all so heavily rely upon, compelled me to post this so that we may all hope he is having first-hand banter with some of the great men he had so arduosly catalogued. I'm not saying that I firmly believe in life after death, though I do share Einstein's view on the issue, merely that it is men like Willis Hawley that make me think, or perhaps hope, that man can be greater than what we have been. I would like to have met Sir Edmund Burke and Albert Einstein, but feel sufficiently lucky to have met, sat and enjoyed the hospitality, intellect and generosity of spirit that was Willis Hawley.

 

My thanks also to Nobuo Ogasawara, who was also generous to show me through the bowels of the National Museum at Ueno Park, where he allowed me to hold and enjoy priceless National Treasures that few ever see from a distance. I must thank John Bowhay for that honour, and also for introducing me to a master polisher whose name escapes me, but also showed me many fine blades in expert polish, the most impressive by far being a large Masamune katana in full, expert polish. Here was my discovery that there are togi and there are togi. Breathtaking.

 

To the generosity of spirit of Willis Hawley and the few.

[drbvac]

You are lucky to have met people who have had this effect on you and how you think and express yourself - they obviously have given you a good perspective on life.

[george trotter]

Well said Simon.

I too have fond memories of years of association (through correspondence) with Willis Hawley from 1973 to late 80s...a true gentleman and friendly and encouraging, including to new collectors. As you have recalled, even by mail he was welcoming and hospitable. He would take the trouble to explain things to us as equals. I have never known him to be dismissive, or superior, or to sneer at obvious mistakes...it was not in his nature. He wanted people to enjoy what he enjoyed, not drive them away. His focus was in Japanese swords and oriental art itself, not in himself. As you can tell, I liked him and I learned from him. That is why it is so pleasing to read your words on this board...NMS is, in its way, is carrying on his knowledge sharing, encouraging and guidance in correct practise towards Nihonto.

That was the man...regarding his work, it was, and is, valuable to beginners and advanced alike, and often the first book one reaches for for a quick reference. It is NOT a "research paper" with opinions and appraisals...it is a COMPILATION of as many names, places and dates of swordmakers as possible, for ready reference. As a compilation drawn from many sources it is only as good/accurate as those sources, so it has imported occasional errors and mistakes and "doubling up" of swordsmiths. This does not mean it is worthless and ridiculous (as some sneeringly say). As long as we know it has occasional errors or "doublings' it is a valuable aid...as Willis meant it to be. He and Yasu Kizu are to be revered and thanked.

 

Good to have you with us Simon.

One day I will have to share my memories of Albert Yamanaka...what a character!

Regards,

George.