Ed

Grev, I had a incomplete set, but I don't see them. I must have sold them. If by chance I stumble across them I will let you know. Best, Ed

Could have been as simple as he needed it to complete a koshirae, which would be my first guess. My rationale, is it is a very nice tsuba, but nothing super incredible, not a lost national treasure. Maybe he has a thing for fish depicted on Kodogu. This is a koshirae with a fish/fishing theme. https://yakiba.com/koshirae-fish-theme/

Steve, check Sloughs and Fujishiros for additional Yasuchika gendaito.

There were several Showa period smiths who used the mei Yoshichika. Sesko's lists one from Mino (Gifu), Slough's and Fujishiros list one, Mori Yoshichika. Mori Yoshichika worked from Taisho to Showa and made high grade gendaito. There were others. Is this sword by one of these smiths? Is it traditionally made? Who knows. No one could say for certain judging solely on those two poor photos.

Been watching that one for quite a while. Glad someone got it, so it will stop tempting me.

Fransesco, Yes, it was nice to meet you in person as well. Ed

Yes, of course. Not a lot as the prices were a bit overinflated. Compensation for the poor yen I suppose.

More DTI. Sorry for so many posts, these are large files but I wanted large photos for better veiwing.

More DTI

More DTI 2023.

DTI 2023 as promised.

Just returned home after a month in Japan, including the DTI. Attempted to post some photos over the weekend, but for whatever reason I could not log on while in Japan. I will post some photos in a day or two. I was able to post a few on FB, in any of you follow those groups.

Last year there were several other gun shows in the city the same weekend. If you plan to attend I would check the dates of other venues to see while there.

Couple of things: When taking photos use a darker background. Using a white background "tricks" the camera into adjusting the balance to the White opposed to the subject. This results in the subject being too dark (see your photos). Notice how the one photo shot with the wooden table in the background gave a much better photo of the sword. For lighting, try shooting near a bright window using the indirect bright light. Using a flash, incorrect placement or angles of overhead lighting causes washout. Second in regards to displaying your sword. In it's current condition displaying it as you have it is not going to hurt it. If you were to have it polished at some point, then a better care would be called for. For now, use a soft cloth or unscented tissues and wipe it down with denatured alcohol, then lightly oil it. A light machine oil such as 3-n-1 or sewing machine oil will work fine. Inevitably someone will correct me and tell you to only use microfiber cloths for cleaning and oiling and to only use traditional clove oil. Again, if your sword was in new polish or even in older but good polish, then I would give the same advise. Until you have it polished, my recommendations will work fine. Using a genuine Togishi (sword polisher) is paramount. If you can't afford it, save up until you can, period. Keep in mind that when you polish it you will need a new shirasaya to house it in. You spoke of devaluing the sword. Having it polished by some half-assed polisher will devalue it faster than any other single thing.

You may be right. Recently, I have been seeing some stuff that blows my mind. Polished, papered (though not Tokuho, all Kicho to Hozon), most in shirasaya, a few in koshirae for dirt cheap. Most are mumei or run of the mill smiths, but still very cheap.

Tokuho katana in polish for 3K? Me too!! Sorry man, but as Grey has pointed out that ain't happening. At your budget you will likely have to settle for mumei or older papers. As long as you buy from a reputable dealer you need not worry. Buying on flea-bay, worry!

Most of the better stuff has been sold privately or at shows. He and his son have been attending shows for the last few years, off loading as much as possible. Though, he has barely put a dent in it, he literally has a warehouse full of stuff. I know several big buyers/collectors who have gone to Austin for private buys.

No and No.

Yes, and the auction houses thrive on that mentality. There was an unpapered octopus themed tsuba being auctioned at Christies 10-20 years ago. It was a very nice tsuba and I was watching it. At the time it was worth around 3-5K. It sold for some exorbitant amount like 90K (I don't remember the exact amount). It was not worth anywhere near that and the result was the mere result of two guys with deep pockets in a pissing contest. The Christies folks were dancing a jig backstage.

https://page.auction.../auction/g1107835756

Yes, I have seen few if any outside the parameters you mentioned.

Ok, I was going to say with a better photo of the area circled it could be determined whether it is a katana or wakizashi.

Here is one you will like. Cormorant fisherman, fishing under the moon and with a torch. Great detail, note the cormorant tossing the fish into the air before swallowing it.

Found a couple of additional moon themed tsuba. This one by Kuniharu with a moon barely peeking over the horizon. .

Similar to the Buddhist thoughts on Chawan. This is an excerpt from "The Wind And The Pines". "They are perfect in that, grasped in the light of wisdom-compassion just as they are, they are taken out of time and transcend all the petty judgments and ambitions that fill our lives. They are also imperfect in that they participate in our existence and we in theirs, and therefore, they are subject to all the flaws and infirmities of our lives. By this measure, those objects are most treasured that awaken one to this dual nature of one's existence, that draw one beyond oneself into a world of love that is no-self, and that work, as embodiments and instances of Buddha's compassion, to save one just as one is."