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Hi! Reading from top to bottom, right to left, this looks like 函冬君子...? 君子(Junzi, a core concept in Confucianism, roughly "gentleman", but really almost like "knight" in the western context, in the sense that 君子 are known for their high moral principles and many virtues, say benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, what they call the five constant virtues, 仁义礼智信, which Japanese people also occasionally say, also the word 君子 sometimes gets swapped with 侍たるもの(he who is worthy to be a true samurai) in a Japanese context) are for sure, corresponding to the orchid theme ( orchid being the gentleman in flowers, 君子花), but I'm not sure what 函冬 is, perhaps 寒冬(harsh winter)? 函 and 寒 have the same pronunciation, and oftentimes homophones are interchangeable in old Chinese, although much, much more in Japanese. And orchids are not really known for winter durability, that's for the three friends of winter, pine trees, bamboo trees and plum trees, so that's a little confusing. I'm going to my weekly cursive one-on-one class in two days.....after avoiding it for a whole month, so maybe I can ask my teacher what this says, she graduated as a cursive major from one of the best art schools here. (I'm still a little shy to ask her over WeChat orz)

Rieker: Sorry to say both are reproductions. The tells are 1) the numbered habaki - the Japanese didn't do that; 2) the western Damascus style steel - not usually a Japanese technique; 3) the sharp ending to the bohi (groove) stopping in the wrong place; 4) the hamon appears to be acid etched or ground on. Price on each would be 50-100 dollars to someone into cosplay or a wall display. Regards, John C.

I like the Dote-mimi - I think Jean may be right about a revival piece, this one from the Edo era - no Dote-mimi though. Anyone know the plant the leaf represents? We still need a scientific non-invasive method to date iron. - Though even this may not be indicative of when the tsuba was fashioned from the iron - how we get around that would seem difficult. I guess you can test the patina age?? But what then if the piece has been cleaned back to bare metal? These questions keep us interested in the subject of tsuba and not having all the answers keeps our "little grey cells" active!

I haven’t found a detailed description of yakite-kusarakashi yet. Even Markus Sesko’s book gives only a vague account. This technique was used by some schools like Hoan. Knowing it is an European invention and together with my own experience with etchings (artistic prints) I guess the vital process as follows: The surface of the plain Tsuba is covered with lacquer to prevent a corrosion by acid. Either the motif is painted on a Tsuba or the piece is completely covered with lacquer and the motif is scratched in (for example an amida yasurime). Then it is put into an acid bath (I suppose it was hanged into a small canister containing the etchant) and the acid affects all uncovered areas of the metal. Note that the corrosion deepens uniformly irrespective of the width of the openings. After a certain time the Tsuba is taken out of the etchant, remnants of acid are washed off and the cavities form now a relief with sharp ridges. Thus at least the yakite process will smooth the surface and incidentally the lacquer is removed by burning (or does it flake off?). This seems logic because recently I read on this board that urushi can’t be dissolved with chemicals. There are also pieces on which acid has been dropped randomly directly onto the surface to get a more weathered look (i.e. more sabi). I hope I understood the procedure correctly but I don’t know neither which acid was used (I used sulphuric acid) nor the time which is necessary to corrode an iron Tsuba in this way (I only etched plates of soft metals like copper and zinc). Maybe someone has more detailed information? Thank You in advance!

Dear Rieker. The same answer applies I'm afraid. Not Japanese and not old. Hope this doesn't put you off altogether and that you are not into them for too much. Have a look at the dealer section toward the bottom of the menu and check out some of the swords there. All the best.

Thats very generous and a great opportunity for someone who can make the show. Might be worth mentioning which days are covered. The tickets are personal so it is probably necessary to contact the organisers to transfer the new attendees name prior to the Show. Not long now. Can't wait.

Hello there! Is this: * (ko-)katchūshi ? * muromachi... edo... * ... Some numbers: 87 gram - iron 7,40 x 7,14 x 0,50 (rim) - 0,30 (seppa) Just let your comments flow! Thanks!

Or this……(I wrote all the text under “read more”) https://steveslyjapaneseart.com/product-category/bronze/

This should keep,you occupied for a fair while!🙂🙂 Not everything is priced which is pretty normal for the expensive stuff Just think of a number and add several zeros! https://kevinpage.co.uk/collections/?fwp_collection=okimono

Thank you for your interest Rawa - it is a good piece. I am selling the wakizashi in a shirasaya only - the koshirae belongs to another wakizashi. Apologies for the confusion, as it was exhibited together with that koshirae in the photo.

Hello Nihonto Fans, Yes, me again 😁 My second purchase this weekend! 117 gram - iron 7,8 x 7,8 x 0,40 cm All info and comments are welcome (as always 😉)

Hi! The last two characters are 靖国 (usually read as Yasukuni). 和平以靖国 might read something like 和平を以って国を靖んずる in Japanese (to make the country peaceful/well with peace). Edited: random(?) fact, 靖 and 安 are both Yasu in Japanese with similar meaning and usage, so......

I always thought these were obvious, low quality even as fakes, chinese trash. 1300$ sold 9th of May 2026. Like holy shiet. Please link here main thread I know I saw this somewhere. https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/WWII-Japanese-Shin-Gunto-Officers-Katana-w-Scabb-2703-c-7601654E68?utm_source=smsalert&utm_medium=sms&utm_campaign=15lotsawayalert https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/230471281_wwii-Japanese-shin-gunto-officers-katana-w-scabbard-valparaiso-in

it was a nightmare. took a couple of weeks, i had to pay a bunch of fees and penalties and finally it was sent to the new owner. after that i decided not to to sell mounted swords out of the country

A buddy of mine can't make it to the fair, but i already bought his Ticket. If somebody wants to get in for free, just send me a PM!

Thanks again, BJ. I really appreciate not only the translation but also the in depth meaning. It helps to figure out the overall theme intended by the artist. John C.

Its uchigatana most likely slightly under 2 shaku or around 2 shaku. The signature is nijimei which is a bit unusual for a Bizen name, and Nagamitsu is unfortunately a Bizen name. Its placed not at the ridge but between the ridge and the backedge, which would hint towards koto. The nakago condition is anything between 1500 and 1670. The blade tapers and curves, so we can exclude Kambun. The problem - there are no late legitimate Nagamitsu generations, its tachimei on uchigatana, which is almost unheard of. So its gimei. Unless its a stellar blade otherwise - its not very much, at a show 500-750$, on ebay probably 800-1000 or whatever you'll get for it. It might be that the blade is some legitimate Bizen Sukesada from the late Muromachi.

Yves, to me this looks like an EDO era KACHUSHI style revival piece with a nice DOTE MIMI.

Koshirae Taikan by Markus Sesko is the best one you can get in my opinion. You are looking quite specific stuff if it is late Muromachi / early Edo koshirae from Sendai area. I think the best bet would be looking surviving late Muromachi koshirae in general. Actual koshirae before Edo period are quite rare to find in general even in Japan. The problem is that they are not often featured in a single book or article. That is why Markus Sesko has provided incredible work. I should have info on at least few hundred authentic pre-Edo koshirae but they are scattered in various books that are unfortunately only in Japanese. Polearm koshirae is even more niche field than sword koshirae. I have some very interesting info on polearm koshirae too in Japanese language books. Unfortunately I am not a koshirae collector or researcher, I just love old battlefield items, hence I have also done some digging on old battle item koshirae.

Have posted him before, but I still LOVE my Night Watchman that I think I picket up for a bargain years ago after it went unsold. One of my favorites, and never seen another the same for sale.

Hi Alex, nowadays it’s like walking in a minefield….great many repros/fakes of varying quality from pretty good to pretty awful. Also many modern pieces being made in Japan apparently from a process that takes moulds from original items and then recasts ( many of these are solid whereas good Meiji bronzes are hollow and often rattle inside a bit which might sound bizarre but true!) There are many fakes of Samurai, plain or partially gilt, monkeys, birds of prey, koro…..the list goes on and on. Some made in Japan, some China and probably elsewhere. Its just like swords…..you simply have to develop the “eye” based on handling many genuine things. Alloys used in genuine pieces can vary a lot as well and patina can be equally variable in colour. It comes down to being able to recognise artistry, quality of casting, quality of subsequent finishing (carving, gilding, patination etc) Some makers are obvious….Seiya, Miyao, Maruki, but again….there are fakes of these as well. I dealt in Meiji bronzes for many years when good pieces were available but nowadays not so much good stuff surfaces. 99% of small bronze okimono for sale in the UK via UK auctions, especially things like insects, crustaceans, rats, creepy crawlies, scorpions, dragons are all fake (loosely in Meiji style). Even UK antique platforms (Selling Antiques and others) are littered with mostly fakes. No easy answer……know your subject……caveat emptor. Websites to look at…Kevin Page, Steve Sly (both personal friends and excellent trusted dealers) plus of course Bonhams. Malcolm Fairley and Grace Tsumugi probably have pieces on their websites also. Happy to look at anything you are thinking about. Best. Colin

The 12th Orlando Japanese Arts, Collectibles & Sword Show (June 26–28, 2026) continues to grow and improve every year, and this year is shaping up to be the biggest and strongest yet. This year’s featured exhibition is “Masterpieces of the Yamato Tradition,” with a special educational display curated by Ray Singer and Joe Forcine highlighting important examples from one of the most influential traditions in Nihonto history. The dealer room is shaping up to be the strongest yet: 41 table holders spread across 60+ tables Dealers and exhibitors traveling from 12 states Seven first-time exhibitors, which means fresh inventory and new material that attendees likely haven’t seen before That combination of established dealers and new faces should make for an especially strong buying, selling, and networking weekend. In addition to swords, there will be: Tsuba roundtables Sword etiquette presentations Toyama-ryu demonstrations Hōzōin-ryū sōjutsu demonstrations Bonsai and ikebana exhibitions And plenty of opportunities to talk swords with fellow collectors from around the country One of the things that makes Orlando particularly easy is logistics: the venue is just minutes from Orlando International Airport, with hotel shuttle service available. Event Details: June 26–28, 2026 DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport Orlando, Florida The hotel room block closes in 11 days, so if you’re thinking about attending, now is the time to lock things in. More details here: Orlando Sword Show If you’ve never attended, this is an excellent year to start. If you’ve been before, expect a bigger room, fresh material, and one of the best educational displays the show has hosted. Hope to see many of you there.

A sublime cup from the anagama master. This guinomi features a beautiful, subtle color palette that is contrasted by its strong form and ishihaze (stone burst) heavy surface. 5cm tall and 6cm wide, in perfect vintage/antique condition with its original signed box. $160 shipped to the USA, international buyers please contact me for a quote. Payment to be made via PayPal friends and family. Note - I am traveling for work and will not be able to ship until later this week. 🙇

Hello Nathaniel - thank you for your interest. Please find your requested measurements below: Motohaba: 26mm or 1 Inch Sakihaba: 12mm or 3/4 Inch Moto-Kasane: 7mm or 1/4 Inch Saki-Kasane: 4mm or 1/8 Inch

I have zero knowledge on this subject but have always thought that the fine detail depicted in weapons was a clue to the quality of samurai bronzes. This is from Barry Davies's book. Miyao, Benkai subduing two foes.

No Shinsa. Had nothing worth the hassle. Okay, my fault for not Reading it.

There are no genuine Japanese swords ever, where "2 go into one" like that. It's a fantasy construction method. I think it may have been used on old Chinese swords, but these are definitely fantasy pieces.

Hi Gordon, would you be able to provide the motohaba, sakihaba, and kasane (moto and saki preferably)? Many thanks, it looks like a lovely blade.

where in Michigan are you? I live near Toledo and get up to Detroit area occasionally. i could look at it and give you more information if you were close

Nice sword. What about koshirae?

The 'dry' (?) leaf is highly stylized, but if I had to put money on it, my fifty cents would go on 柏 kashiwa, a Japanese oak leaf. Food was presented on oak leaves, especially in the context of shrines, with a spiritually 'clean' connection to the gods. In kamon, the oak leaf is also shown in kage/sukashi style, the 'bones' (veins) in clear outline. Occam's razor might also point to oak as a safe bet. Would I put a whole dollar on this, you ask? Well, let me think about that... PS Agreeing with Jean about Katchushi, without the 'Ko'. Liking both of those tsuba BTW.

Posted a lot and someone suggested separating some of the items out so I wanted to make a thread just for the Menuki. I'm pretty unfamiliar with the Menuki's in general, but from what the papers read, the Monkeys are Ko-Goto and the Trellis is Waki-Goto. I know these come from a very famous line, but I know on the nihonto side of things, the green papers are pretty unreliable but didn't know if the same carried over for Tosogu. The fan menuki does not have papers, but is signed. I believe its signed Mitsumasa, but im having a hard time translating it. Was told it was possibly connected to the Goto line as well, but again not 100%. I've attached the signature below. Again any help would be great, everyone here has been super helpful and kind so far, thanks so much for being such a good community!

Here is the signature on the fan menuki.

國宗 Kunimune

And the other side:

Hi Lex, looking at the KANTEISHO, I think I can read NAGASA: 2 SHAKU 0.9 SUN which would roughly match 63,4 cm

Thank you, Mauro! Much appreciated! Thank you, Dale! Interesting, that photo even has a background that looks very similar to mine. I have to confess, I used "The Craft of the Japanese Sword" for the background of my photos. I am gradually finishing reading this book and its cover has such a nice texture and neutral grey colour, that I couldn't think of anything better when it came to tsuba photo shooting. Yet, I found tsube that even closer to mine right on this board: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/20627-tsuba-menuki-and-kozuka-sale/

That was a nice find Brian. Unusual subject…..I’ve seen many in ivory but not one in bronze. Usually they are farmers or Bijin. Great example of late Meiji high quality naturalistic casting and finishing.

From Kris's photo above, note how the ito has twisted a bit from use. John C.

Ian, Thank you for clear and direct comment. I have given the owner a "crash course" in photography of nihonto and will see if we can make this sword a little clearer. I think a member is in touch in his area, Indiana, hopefully an up close will shed some light.

Good taste - one I would go for as well. - - what Mauro said! not a gazillion miles from this?

Hi Chris. Your squirrel tsuba appeared in 2024 in this thread - along with this image of an utsushi Another from this thread : With this image There is also a single squirrel design with papers listed here -https://matsukaze.thebase.in/items/8490153 And another with both ategane filled here https://www.touken-world.jp/search-sword-guard/art0002655/ and here with papers https://www.ayakashi.co.jp/items/83815405 I have seen a few tsuba with "Shoki on the bridge" as well, but they tend to be cast copies [Not yours] https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396800258462 you can tell the design is Shoki because of his "Ken" type sword as opossed to Yoshitsune and Benkei on the bridge. There are rarely only "just one" of anything!

Hi folks, Mark Jones and I have, for years, sold tsuba and kodogu that we acquired from Skip Holbrook as he whittled down his large collection to something more manageable. After his recent passing, we were contacted by his family and we have purchased a large portion of the pieces he left behind. Today I have listed the first (Kyo Sukashi tsuba, see below) of what will eventually be near 100 tsuba and other kodogu; my plan is to keep at it till all are listed. Many of the pieces are quite fine and with papers but many are within reach for a beginning collector. You will find them at the top of my Tsuba and Kodogu section: https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/item-category/tsuba-kodogu/ All will have a number that starts with an H. Much, much more to come. If anything is of interest, please contact me by email through my site, not by personal message here; I need your emails to keep track of business. Thank you, Grey

I completely agree with Curran and Skip will be greatly missed. Will also check out the Grey's website but will be especially looking forward to seeing what Grey and Mark bring to the Chicago show as well from Skip's old collection.

Skip was an esteemed collector, mentor, and friend. I found him to be an old style gentleman of sharp perception and soft manner. His technical understanding and aesthetics were very high. He will be remembered and missed by many of us who were able to know him. I wish the best to his family.

And I love photos like this that show very unusual fittings. If I had seen this one on sale on eBay or even presented here, I would say it could be a post war Bubba job.

No, I'm sending my collector half instead

Good Morning. Indeed, I contacted them on Monday re my tsuba and also received an answer stating that they are waiting for export licenses for shipping of my lot. As I hail from Germany and they are located in italy, this does not make sense at all (both countries being located in the EU). After pointing this out, they then said that tsuba are obvioulsy "parts of weapons - and by extension weapon parts" and thus export to Germany "will be challenging". We shall see... Best, Danny

I think that their prices are well justified...............................................after all it must take ages to think up and then type up all those lengthy descriptions, I mean if they were offering a simple British 1907 SMLE bayonet they would probably type up the entire history of the First World War!