Interesting perspectives from well respected author

[drbvac]

Ran across these articles by Robert E. Haynes while surfing through Richard Turners site and was interested to read what he had written. Interesting commentary on collectors and the current state affairs by one who has spent decades himself involved in the study of Japanese art.

 

http://kodogunosekai.com/page/6/

 

http://kodogunosekai.com/2011/07/30/rob ... article-2/

 

This from the Shibui swords site is also very informative of the activities and life of Mr. Haynes. This is Mr. Eliot Longs site and has much excellent information. I found it really helpful and hope others do as well.

 

http://www.shibuiswords.com/firstsixtyyears.htm

[Louie Skebo]

Very nice to read the experiences of Mr. Haynes, very interesting views on how Western collectors/dealers are viewed by the Japanese.

 

Thanks for posting the articles.

 

Louis

[drbvac]

Louis:

 

Yes interesting indeed and he after over 50 years of study and learning with the very best sensei of the past has come to the conclusions he does it makes one question as he does very strongly the quality of the information we ourselves can access. I am in no way stating that the comments and information we can access are incorrect - but it seems we should be careful to at least not accept everthing as fact.

 

It is unfortunate as he states that the study of nihonto is so very much affected by the money that can be made based on unfounded statements. A comment from a modern "expert" on the abilities and apptitudes of a particular school or smith could net a lot of income and most of us would have no basis to question the opinion.

 

Makes it very confusing for one trying to gain experience in knowing what is excellence. As with paintings, some one can express the opinion that an artist is technically perfect with color and light etc and what the hell would I know!! These comments often come with a work that looks like my Grandson could paint it with his eyes closed using his feet, but because those who " know" praise and say it is good - it sells. Recall the 7 year old girl whose paintings are demanding 40 thousand dollars - I wouldn't pay 40 cents for any of them and to pay to have it framed on top of that - dont think so,

 

Guess the bottom line as I do with art is learn to appreciate - buy what YOU like.

[cabowen]

With craft, there is technique and skill, the level of which can be judged by those who have put in the time to educate themselves. Artistic merit is in the end an opinion and is something that can always be argued and debated.

 

Most collectors don't put in the time to research, study, and refine their understanding and are thus always at the mercy of the experts who dictate good and bad, who have...

 

I think the bottom line is see all the quality examples you can. Eventually the eye learns to recognize what is good and what isn't. Until one has educated oneself, one is always at a disadvantage.

 

Of course this is only a concern for those that collect art and not artifacts.....

 

I have always recommended focusing on one narrow area. It is nearly impossible to become an expert in general. Choosing one school, group, era, etc., i.e.,narrowing the field, one can obtain a level of expertise sufficient to become independent of outside opinion. It also benefits the field in general.

 

Mr. Haynes has devoted his life to the study and advancement of knowledge of kodogu, something sadly few others either in Japan or elsewhere have done. All who treasure kodogu owe him an immense debt of gratitude....he gets my nomination for Living National Treasure.

[drbvac]

No arguments to those comments at all..