Nickupero

this picture adding thing is addictive, but needed

some close-ups...

I had this really nice piece I was able to get my hands on end of last year, both the blade and Koshirae have just passed Hozon, I would like to think the Koshirae would pass Tokubetsu Hozon but didn't try. The blade Mumei O-Suriage attributed to Mihara, but the focus is not actually on the blade but more the fittings as I feel the blade is not equal in quality. What is interesting to me are a few features, the Kojiri which is extremely large and the level of detail borderline incredible, signed also with Kao. If you look carefully the beard and small details are very uniform. Something I did not notice when I bought the sword was the Kurikata, also beautiful but it was also signed which I only saw once I pulled out my zoom lens. I have not had the chance to translate any of it yet so if anyone is quick to the draw it is welcomed Another nice touch are the Fuchi/ Kashira, I always find it interesting when the designed extends past what we are used to seeing, in this case the bell. Again interesting details as the makers work was so fine that atop the bell he was able to clearly design the 2 dragons which is ridiculously small when you have it in hand. The same thing goes for the Kashira, on the Dou of the Samurai a dragon is clearly chiseled in and so finely to. Maybe it is my taste and some of you don't see this as anything incredible, just something above average, but I enjoy it and would like to share it with members before it ends up in someones collection which at that point probably none of us will ever see. So opinions and views are welcome, if the motifs tell you something that I missed please feel free to give your views and interpretations, Tosogu is not my strongest point so these interactions with sharp eyed collectors always enjoyed. Thanks in advance for your participation.

Hi guys, just to let members know that there has been a good amount of activity on my website as to new items being added. Some pieces are listed below; 1) Fujishima Tomoshige Wakizashi in good mounts with NTHK Kanteisho 2) 2 Body gold inlay cutting test by Bungo Teruyuki in nice mount with NTHK Kanteisho 3) Koto Tachi signed Akikuni in Tachi Koshirae and Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK 4) Yokoyama Sukenori Katana with 2 set of NBTHK Hozon (Koshirae passed Tokubetsu) 5) Koto Wakizashi signed Nio Yoshikiyo with nice koshirae and NBTHK Hozon All items with prices are listed in the "Shop" section of www.nihontoart.com Lots of pictures are available online there I haven't had a chance to do a full write up on each piece so if you have more questions or need more info please feel free to contact me... also preferred rates are offered to message board members so keep that in mind when looking at items, if members buy anything a donation will be given here.

Okay Guys, managed to edit the video a bit and add it to Vimeo, this way its uninterrupted. For those of you that cannot see it here is the direct link, or you can see it through the news page of my website Thank again for your support! https://vimeo.com/185179544

Hi Guys, was pleased to see that some of you were able to catch the episode. 
 I did my best to represent the Nihonto but TV is TV and they need to keep their audience entertained. I was quite pleased with the filming as it showcased the sword well. Nice crew and they had a great respect for the item with handling and appreciation of its history. 
 The question some of you had was if the deal was real or not, most aspects of it actually were. The order in which the deals played out was actually the same as the filming order. The premises of the show is that each dealer is obligated to make an offer so if they weren't interested in the piece then they would make a low ball offer knowing I would decline. Once an offer is made and refused I could not return to that room, so I guess I read each dealer well in this case. The offers were indeed real offers but nothing set in stone, if an amount is agreed by both parties we still have a grace period of time to back out of the deal. Andrew really did want the piece, so much that during the negotiations he actually told the crew to stop filming so he could see the item again and have me explain it in detail. He didn't know much about Nihonto but he did know that this piece was quality with incredible provenance. Ultimately the deal fell apart but I'm happy it did because the piece did end up going to a museum in the US, the only inaccuracy is it was me that sold it to the museum (sorry my client asked to be anonymous). However Andrew did in the end buy a great Tachi. 
 Thanks Mick for starting the Thread and for the kind opinions.


I have these ones, both the wall version and table version, 1 single slot (Koshirae or shirasaya, not both), 2 slot (for shirasaya and koshirae together like in the images), or 4 slot (for 2 koshirae and 2 shirasaya together). I like the fact that they are separate because you can space them as you please. Last image is the 4 slot on display in my living room with only 3 slots occupied. In the close ups you can see the edges are nicely finished. Email me if its your cup of tea.

Thanks Alan! Thanks Joe! it is actually already for sale on my site... I didn't want to overload the for sales section of the message board so I didn't list it here. Rule goes for every item you see listed on my site its cheaper for NMB members, and I'll include a donation if the Message board has any involvement. Here's the koshirae with fittings that are antique which is funny because the blade isn't.

Oops, yes forgot the "Ju", so focused on the age I missed that kanji altogether. That makes much more sense though on his timeline, since he started in Bakumatsu period. Here are some pics. Thanks Steve, Alan, and John for your input.

Am I reading this correct? did Sukeyoshi make this at the age of 88 years? If so its pretty interesting as it would have been at the very end of his life as the blade is dated 1914AD... to have seen and lived through Edo, Meiji, Taisho must have been something!

I'll be listing it in the for sale section shortly, wanted to give you a quick view of the Tetsu-Tsunagi that comes with it. I know its the Tosogu section but I didn't see the need in starting another thread. Its actually quite a nice blade, mei reads "Masa", you can see the sabi is only towards the Kissaki, would need a polish but the hamon is still visible. Nice hamon that reminds me of a candle flame.

Wow, some activity here in this post, missed all the action. Sorry as I've been away for a little while due to a death in the family, positive thing to take from this is at least we get to see family from all over world that we haven't seen in ages, like our Aussie cousins I like the take on different theories, like above and under water views, I see how that would make sense. I didn't think the Tosogu was made from the same school so thank you for clearing that up Ford, yes certainly the Kozuka stands out from the rest. Love the hesitance from everyone to respond to Ford's post, he certainly earned his stripes and everyone seems to acknowledge that by their carefully thought replies . But as the set is it does give the eye plenty to see with a lot of different textures which is what I liked about it and glad that many of you share the same opinion. I'll try to list some pics of the blade shortly.

some more...

Hi Guys, I have this interesting Edo period Koshirae with blade that I will be introducing in the near future. As per the post title it is the Tosogu I'm looking to get help or opinions on as I'll be listing it for sale in the near future and I don't know much about the set at all, I'll openly admit that Tosogu isn't my strongest point. But yes I'd like to know if any school specialized in these water related themes, they are uncommon but I've seen similar things before. So feel free to give any breakdown or analysis on the piece as a whole or by individual component. Also In case you haven't noted in the picture the lacquer work is really something, each side is completely different but if you look carefully there is a 3rd layer that divides the both sides. The wood texture and feel actually simulates real wood so well. The tsuba is a shell of what, abalone? It is interesting because one side is clean and the other is simulated to look like the outside of the shell. Thanks in advance!

Thanks Uwe, It does have a more template feel to it but I think its easier for viewers to navigate.... Ultimately it is the stock that matters most right?

I have one almost identical Peter but more spaced out, sorry for posting pictures on your thread, NBTHK judgement says Kyô Sukashi Edo Jidai. Hope this helps.

A big thank you Joe, Brian, Stephen, Rich, and Ken!!!!! All of your opinions greatly matter especially since every one of you is so active in the sword world... Next step is filling the site with all the treasures I have Yes I definitely agree with you both Joe and Brian, that Enshin is an intriguing piece. Just the way it is assembled is worth some close study. Blade aside the saya alone is extremely heavy with what looks mostly like silver, it matches the blades heavy weight, even though the nakago appears hollowed out it is far heavier than your average shin-shinto nakago. I much appreciate you forwarding the item Joe, if it leads to a sale I'll send the message board a donation equally. Thanks again Gents!

Hi Guys, big day today as I've been working very hard on my new site, I don't want to divulge how long because it might make me sound a bit slow with all this tech stuff but its been a long and difficult process. Just launched the new face of NihontoArt a couple of hours ago, it offers some more educational tools that I hope collectors can make good use, I've also added better visuals to make the process of viewing items more pleasant. You can scroll down the pages as there is more content below on every page. I welcome opinions and feedback, good or bad, all appreciated! More items will be added shortly There will be a further surprise that will hopefully revolutionize and help modernize the sword viewing experience, I'll keep that for the near future, secret for now Please enjoy: www.nihontoart.com

Hi Javier, same thing Eric wrote about in your complete armor post.. Modern repro.

Update: Number 4 is now sold and number 7 is pending sale

This set is off to a good home. So both the Daisho Koshirae and Menuki's are now sold. If moderators could keep this post for a day or two in case the buyers want to take record of the post. Thank you to all who participated with questions and comments.

Hi guys, Jean is correct, dark green it is, has a slight fade to it from the aging which is what may be throwing some people off. Or could be my lighting but the color is 100% green, shark skin has a nice aged patina to it. Tsunagi's are of good quality with equally nice wood habaki, please see photo's. I think its a great deal considering all the goodies you get Dai measures a total of 96.5cm with a saya length of 72.5cm Sho measures 69.5 cm with a saya length of 54.5 cm Also the Menuki set is no longer available for sale.

Hi Guys, offering a big fat reduction for this weekend; Daisho Koshirae reduced to $1,500USD including shipping within North America, and $1,450 plus shipping anywhere outside North America. Keep in mind these are old Saya's in very good condtion The set of Menuki's now include shipping cost @ $550 USD... you won't find anything like these.

Thanks a lot Greg for your kind comment and also Peter for your input. Prices revised for this weekend, donation will also be given to the Message board; 1) Katana Sukashi iron tsuba. 8.35 x 8.3 cm (I believe early Edo, very very dark and rich patina) $485 USD reduced to $420 2) Wakizashi Snake tsuba 6.7 x 6.2 cm (age unknown, late Edo, maybe Meiji, slight damage on corner) $475 USD reduced to $395 3) Katana Bamboo/ flowers 8.5cm x 8.5cm (Edo period, nice and dark patina with small amounts of inlay) $425 USD reduced to $395 4) Katana Shoami Tsuba Moth Theme with new NBTHK papers 8.1 x 8.1 cm (very even patina with nice texture) $650 USD reduced to $600 5) Very Fine Wakizashi Tsuba both signed and papered by NBTHK 7.2 x 7.0 cm( Dark even patina with thick gold mimi and very thin flowers) $670 reduced to $620 6) Katana Iron diamond shape with leaves 8.55 x 7.8 cm ( nice dimensions and finely inlayed leaves) $300 reduced to $270 7) Katana Heianjo Tsuba very heavy 8.75cm x 8.75 cm ( largely and skillfully inlayed swirls) $475 reduced to $430

And the last Luck 7