Jimmy R

Chikahide Ota Jim http://youtu.be/4UJh3hWEFF0

PM sent about Ota Chikahide Jim

I will be going to the second phase of the exhibition on Thursday. Does anyone know if there is any literature or a book of photography on the exhibition? I cannot get through to anyone there. Maybe because of the holiday???? It is crazy here right now. Jim

I live in Japan. It is my 5th year here. I see things coming out of the woodwork all the time. More often than not the seller knows little to nothing about the items they have. I have not purchased a single item with papers. I have in turn submitted many items that achieved T. Hozon. BUT I have a rather large library and can speak some Japanese. So the point I would like to make is; yes there are gems out there, but you must know what you are looking at. The above Tsuba is obviously Gimei IMHO Jim

Interesting article. It really brings home how basic linguistic communication can bring people together. My wife and I have lived in Europe and Asia for 10 years now. I mention this in connection with the fact that the most well funded public schools in the world (DODEA) do not have any program that emphasizes host nation linguistics. Not only would such a program foster cultural understanding, it could have the potential to create a complete shift in the way Americans are perceived overseas. The major stumbling block to this the juggernaut of a teachers union and the dinosaurs it protects. Jim

You were already given the answer. Neutralize the active rust or at least oil it until you have a clue. Brian is the owner of this board and he gave you the answer already. Jim

It says that it is the 31st nihonto to recieve Juyo in 1973 Jim

The Tsuka is wrapped in a very nice piece of Samegawa. Unfortunately there were no Menuki or Tsuba. The Tsuba on it is Shoami of a Ken design. Jim

Okay, here is another post looking for any information on A koshirae I have had for some time now. It is covered in insects and is solid silver. Any ideas what school this might be? The work is very fine in hand but I have not seen anything quite like it. Jim

Here are some fittings I have. I know they have a big name on them but am not sure if they are quite up to par. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Jim

I am posting some pictures of a Tsuka I have had for some time now. It is solid silver dragons wrapped around some species of Dalbergia. If anyone has any insights into what style this is or from what, if any particular school I would be very grateful. Jim

The above statement is completely false. There are at least 4 species of stingray that grow to about 15 inches that arrive on the docks here at the fish market. It is served as a favorite at my local Sake stand. It is sold in my local grocery store (frozen and fresh)On the docks at the all night fish market in Sasebo, there was always some to be bought. The east China sea is notorious for having large stingray in the shallows. Jim Maybe he is speaking of a ray with large nodes or some species that was traditionally used (but I doubt it.)

I have had terrible problems with prefectural customs and post offices in south Kyushu and now Okinawa. I have literally lost thousands of dollars and even had a papered sword (hizen Masahiro) confiscated that was sent with 3 Samegawa and 2 handles to be wrapped. A word of warning. Japan is becoming more bureaucratic in the rural areas. All tsuka should be described as fake or plastic with non slip nodes! Jim

In descriptions by the jss they talk about the nanakoji and how it is always indicative of how a piece was made. Specifically when definition of nanakoji around the Raised design is not clear. We can all see how there is a soldered Tenjo gane added. If it is not cast, I have never seen such a poorly made set. The time alone to create nanakoji would require much more attention to detail. It is an extremely painstaking process. Have you ever done nanakoji on your work Lorenzo? I would love to see more of your kodogu. Jim

They are cast. I will tell you why. The nanakoji around the edges of the design are not defined. This would only happen from the uneven contact that would happen in a mold, not from wear or age. Also the black oily finish is the hallmark of a false or applied patina. I could go on but I will stop here. Jim (ps) when you say "proud owner" that means you must like them and that is all that should matter.

Cast, hot oil patina. J.M.O. Jim

Shares some characteristics with several sue bingo mihara I have seen. Jim

I have flown from Japan with both Nihonto and yari on 3 separate occasions. I fly out of Fukuoka and have never had any problems. The first time I just put them in my luggage. I was approached in line and taken aside. Two officers asked me to open the case and they used small flexible magnets to see if they were iron. Then they just waved me through. I have never heard of that happening to anybody else. The other two times I had the proper paperwork and had no problems at all. Everyone was curious, but that is all. Jim

Look at the bidders. Several of them have 30% of their activity with just this seller. It is how scammers hook unsuspecting prey by making something look like everyone wants it. The high number of bids gives it legitimacy in people's eyes. By the way, it is a Chinese fake Jim

Jean sent me the link that dirk later posted. That is the one I am talking about. I have been fruitlessly trying to evenly light the 31" Nagasa on a bingo mihara. So frustrating. I realized it is all in the lighting. I have been using Darcy's glass/mirror technique but it is very problematic. I would really like to see the setup atthe NBTHK museum. I will ask next time I am there. Anyone use special lights? Jim

Well, the culprit is no longer afriend of mine. His name is Ron Van Stee of the Rotterdam area. What a shame. I hope it was worth the 260 euro. Jim

With the bird on the other side I would say this aesthete is recognizing the magical properties of the tree "Tai Yu". Jim

I Saw an article on the Internet somewhere about using a scanner to photo Nihonto. It was very detailed. Now I cannot find it. It showed how to use a ruler and lay it all out so you could take multiple images to create an image. Does anybody know which site I am talking about? Also for those of you who take photos I am curious which lights you use. Jim

I left a Saya with a self proclaimed restorationist in the Netherlands 5 months ago after the man told me he would have it "perfectly restored" in no more than 2 months. I sent email after email asking him for the last 5 months when it would be done. He finally sent my saya back after he asked me for more than the original quote and the pictures show what I got back. I have been a woodworker for my whole adult life and when a fellow craftsman takes on a project I just assume that the quality will be a striving for perfection. I understand that perfection is not possible but what I received in the mail yesterday is a complete and utter insult. Look for yourself. Not only is the Koiguchi a complete massacre but the patina on the Kurigata was removed and, well the rest speaks for itself. Let this serve as a warning. Does anyone know where I can end this to be redone by a reputable restorationist? 5 MONTHS!!! JIM