Looking for good examples + info on swords made on Hokkaido.

[Drago]

Hello,

 

I would be happy if somecould point me to:

1. a list of smiths that worked/work on Hokkaido (if you know currently active smiths, please point out)

2. links to good quality images of representative swords

3. texts about details of Hokkaido sword making traditions/schools

 

(I'd prefer online texts, since I don't really have printed books, I usually use online references.)

 

[cabowen]

As far as I know, there really weren't any sword smiths or schools working in Hokkaido until the 20th century, outside of possibly some Ainu metalworkers.

 

In the Taisho period, Horii Taneaki and Horii Toshihide relocated to Muroran in Hokkaido, where they were employed by the Nihon Seikosho, a steel making company, that opened a forge on company grounds. They had a few students over the years and the Horii line continues today with the grandson of Toshihide.

[Eric H]

Google "Tanetada" and "Korehira"...they are on YouTube.

 

Eric

[Peter Bleed]

The annual meeting of the NBTHK was held in Sapporo in 1974 or 1975. For that event a volume on swords in Hokkaido was published. It had great information including information on the Horii smiths, Ainu cutlery, and - don't forget - Masao. Copies should be available.

Peter

[Eric H]

and - don't forget - Masao

Suzuki Masao... not to be confused with Yamaura Masao.

 

Eric

[Toryu2020]

Look for Hokkaido TO-KEN KAI NO KONSEKI (ima mukashi)

 

北海道刀剣界の今昔

 

This is the book issued by the NBTHK in 1974 - Mostly dense Japanese text about the state of collecting in Hokkaido - very few illustrations. The few swords and kodogu are from the exhibition of members collections and none that I can see are Hokkaido artists...

-t

[cabowen]

You might do better with a book about the Horii family which was published 10-15 years ago. Lots of photos. Title is "Enishi".....

[Drago]

Thank you for all your suggestions.

 

@Chris: Can you give me more details on the book? (author, isbn)

[cabowen]

Title: えにし　　　（　刀鍛冶堀井家150年の歴史）　(150 year history of the Horii family of smiths)

 

Author: 堀井胤次編 (Horii Tanetsugu)

 

I can't find an ISBN number. It was published in 1996.

 

That should be enough to locate a copy....