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秋山飛瀑 – Autumn mountains and waterfall This term is not a proper noun for a specific waterfall, but a general name of a painting motif. 庚午秋畫 – Painted in the autumn of the year of Kanoe-Uma (1990, 1930, 1870, 1810, or older?) 於静修齋林肇基 This might express the place and name of the painter. I am not sure.

That vid was hard to watch, for me at least, that guys voice was like nails on a chalkboard. Also, that snake blade looked as if it needed some attention, the oxidation looked active.

Very good study of the Japanese military machine in general. I found one reference to swords (sabre), noting they were made at Tokyo Arsenal. No other details, unfortunately. John C.

I am sorry to say it but this is a Chinese fake Ian Brooks

The tachi in the video is by Ko-Bizen Yoshikane, it is from Jūyō 23: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1992-0523-1 in my opinion this is the most interesting item at the British Museum. They also have Aoe Sueyuki that passed Jūyō 26: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_2002-0508-1 And tachi by Kageyasu: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1984-0723-1 Unfortunately those three tachi are pretty much the only items I find interesting in whole collection of The British Museum from what pictures I can see online. This is the naginata in the video by Shigetaka: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_JA-66 I would think it is their best naginata but it is just an average item. I do believe they do have several hundred swords as they are listed in the online database but majority of them are just not interesting at all to me personally. They have few nice swords that will be featured in this 2026 exhibition. Of course I might be overly critical about the items but I don't think they have better stuff hidden in the warehouse, I do think their several of their best items are featured in this 2026 display.

Yip, sorry

Found this video by one of the curators of the new Samurai Exhibition opening this week at the British Museum and was quite excited to watch it. He starts off explaining that the British Museum has one of the largest collections of Samurai artefacts outside of Japan. Unfortunately if you visit it you would not know as the permanent collection on display is rather poor. But hopefully the Exhibition will right this wrong... Unfortunately it appears it will not. The curator goes on to explain sword history but shows only one sword but does not even mention the smith and then focuses on the Koshirae of the various periods. Kind of like the Louvre explaining French history by their choice Louis Vuitton hand bags - cause they are pretty, rather than showing the Imperial collection. I guess it is interesting for a newbie but I was left very disappointed. I fear if this is the level we are engaging for the Samurai Exhibition, then unfortunately this Exhibition will leave the enthusiast and even the general public with a lot to be desired. Nice if you like unusual pretty things but otherwise very frustrating as they continue to hide the good stuff in their warehouse. I hope to be proven wrong.

Well, I am gobsmacked. When I read his CV, https://www.joenickols.com/about, I am not sure what specifically jumps out at the most venerable British Museum for them to say, yes we must get this kid to be the next curator of our most important exhibition on Samurai culture we have ever held? It is certainly not his vast experience in the field.

That may be 吉日 - Auspicious day.

Considering the pedigree of former V&A curators and presentations, this is rather insipid. Looking at the other exhibitions this fellow has put together you don't hold high hopes of the situation improving.

Kobayashi Taigen was born 1938 in Shenyang, China and raised in a Buddhist monastery from the time he was six years old. In 1975 he became successor of abbot Miyanishi Genshō at Ōbai-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, Kyōto. He is a prolific calligrapher and maker of tea bowels and bamboo tea scoops for traditional tea ceremony (chanoyu). This Enso painting has the inscription "Inexhaustible (無尽蔵)," which is part of a wisdom poem attributed to the Sixth Patriarch of Ch'an Buddhism Hui-Neng. Zen practice seeks to free the mind from dualistic, discriminating thinking. However, "not one thing" or "nothingness" is not equated with emptiness. Rather, with a mind emancipated from delusion, the possibilities become truly inexhaustible. Mu ichimotsu chu Mujinzo 無一物中無尽蔵 In nothingness, there is inexhaustible abundance What an apt inscription to accompany an Enso--the circle that is at once empty and full. Kobayashi's work is characteristically and consistently elegant, as in his "Ichi," with a beautiful flying white brush technique.

Another "Ichi" is offered on Yahoo Japan auction: https://buyee.jp/item/jdirectitems/auction/n1218134606?conversionType=mypage_watch_list

Stuff I still need to work on, but Tembun 7, November… is visible. 天文七年十一月 Either side of 10 (十) is the old date of Tsuchinoe Inu, 戊戌 土口日 (?… not sure what kind of day this refers to)

Hello Everyone! After 1.5 years in my possession, the kodachi I had acquired is now being sent for shinsa! Wish me luck as we anxiously wait! In other news, to celebrate this occasion, I took new photos of the blade. Feel free to send your thoughts! All the best, Nich

The Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles might argue that statement At least the photos are quite high quality. I can even see the cat number for the Yoshikane, which to me is a really nice piece. Entered the BM inventory in 1992 and came from the Walter Compton Collection through the Christie's auction. They paid $143k. The Zufu states it's quite tired but the fact it's signed/ubu makes it important. And it's almost 1000 years old, so I guess we can cut it some slack. I prefer the Ko Bizen Kageyasu tachi though.

I have seen this topic and was curious about this sword as it seems to be in Ukraine. Well, it indeed popped out locally. The price for this sword is insane, though. https://www.antik-salon.com/product/yaponska-oficzerska-katana-periodu-drugoyi-svitovoyi-vijny/

The Meiji 25th Year Cavalry Sword was made by Tōkyō Hōhei Kōshō 東京砲兵工廠 [Tōkyō Artillery Arsenal]. I strongly recommend everyone reading this thread to take a look at this book. (Mod Scogg says I can use bold, italics, and underlining at the same time for dramatic effect!) Military Industries of Japan

That was quick, Colin. I’ve spent the whole evening comparing waterfalls in Japan, China and Taiwan…

Well, imo the perspective used is definitely not Japanese and nor is the style of painting, not even later Japanese. Also, I am usually useless on Google translate but the first few Kanji look like Xingshan waterfall……Xingshan being (I think) a province in China. So, given the above I’d go for Chinese, mid 20thC tourist type thing. …..but just an opinion.

Please can anyone tell me what this says (from a large hanging scroll that I just couldn’t resist, plus it is the perfect size to cover a crack in a wall). Many many thanks. All the best.

Cheers Michael. Thanks for sharing. I also have a habit of handling my iron tsuba daily. My routine, I will select one tsuba from my collection and carry it with me to work or wherever I go for (usually) at least a few days. Rubbing it while driving, while at work, while watching tv, etc. Many many years ago, a sword polisher I became aquatinted with while living in Japan suggested that the natural oils help stabalize the patina of iron tsuba, and I honestly love the tactile feel. It feels like therapy sometimes. If I have a piece with some active rust, I usually apply a small amount of choji oil with a q-tip, then rub it in a bit and use a cotton cloth to rub the area. I've never used bone or ivory, but occasionally a fingernail. I try to cycle through my pieces to give each one attention fairly, but I have to admit I have my favorites. Damon

Ditto. I was equally underwhelmed at the V&A too. Here they seemed to focus on the connection with a historical figure rather than celebrate the sword and show something of consequence from a nihonto perspective.

Totally agree.

Yes, 4-artist collaboration. Flying magpie = Tsutsui Resting magpie = Ezoe Bamboo = Baba Plum = Matsumoto (Sugimoto?) Can't quite figure out if its "auspicious day" or "spring".

Tried to include a few more few close-ups, showing the detailing of the mounts. Each of the components are adorned with cherry-blossoms, with finer-detailing to the backstrap. I suspect the Saya has been done in Dogfish/Eel skin, instead of conventional Rayfish Same- the texture appears very uniform and lacks any variation; being without any obvious "Nodes". One interesting feature to the sword is the folding "retention flap", which secures the blade within the scabbard

Nihontoclub index can still be accessed but you need to register as a member.

More photos!

Just stumbled across this video by Cross Cultures from the NHK, published on the 12th January: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2084073/ "The fact that foreign collectors cherish Japanese swords helps to unearth ancient works taken overseas after 1945. It also serves as a force for preserving traditional techniques facing extinction." Nice little time capsule of today's Foreign Japanese Sword Enthusiast.

Sigh. I have an open mind, really I do. But this is weaponry. Yes, it's art...but the basis is still weaponry. How his forte for inclusiveness and the avantgarde in art is going to assist in his efforts to present Japanese swords, Lord only knows. Perhaps we will have a thesis on the sword as symbol of Japanese virility or how a Samurai's sword compensated for his lack of manhood. Maybe I should just keep quiet. Oh dear. Edit to add: Oh dear. Above I said "his forte..." and "his efforts" I meant of course "their" forte and efforts. Wouldn't want the internet to cancel me.

I looked the guy on the video up. Sure ain't no Victor Harris. 😳 https://www.joenickols.com

In China with their seals and many items made with gold - so new reality

And some of the details mentioned weren't even correct... sigh.

Where doubtless it is slowly deteriorating …….or being stolen! Sad but same old story with museums.😡