Japan2112

I plan to visit the Berlin museum in April. Any helpful hints? Thanks, Mark

Akasaka iron tsuba of Edagiku (Chrysanthemum on a branch) motif made famous by Nishigaki Kanshiro. Mint condition, deep black polished patina with kebori and master tagane ato chseled around the seppa dai. No problems of any kind. Ex Holbrook collection. 7,8 cm h x 7,5 cm w x 5,15 mm thick at rim 5,55 mm at seppa dai NBTHK hozon kantaisho 2016 to kodai (late) Akasaka. pillowed kiri storage box included $1300. or best offer + any payment fees and shipping. Ships from Florida, USA

Very nice Kanayama tsuba. Here is one with gourds and geese, a natural Owari pairing. Mark C

Hello all, Yes, the Orlando Show's hotel room block is officially closed but as of today guests have still been able to reserve into the hotel for the weekend. If you have any issues give us a call and we'll try to help. 2024 will have (18) US States and Canada represented by table holders and our local advertising, NTHK shinsa (and Fx's Shogun series) are all creating a good Orlando buzz for a great show. See you there! Mark C.

Congratulations! Lots of work to organize, but well worth the effort. Best of luck with the new endeavor. Mark C,

Eric, Last year the exhibit was Soshu Den (School of Masamune) - a curated selection of those greats - Shintogo Kunimitsu, Soshu Yukimitsu, Kinju... 9 swords... 2024 sounds like Bizen Den. Lots of planning goes into this, as many know, so that is the current plan. Hopefully it will not change. Hope to see you there. Mark C.

Hello all, For more information on the Orlando Japanese Sword Show please see our attached flyer. 2024 will be Orlando's 10th year and the show keeps getting bigger. Last year saw great public attendance and table holders from 17 US states and Canada. What better way to celebrate a decade of Nihonto than to hold a shinsa. We hope to see you there. P.S. If you want a table to display or sell some treasures, please think about reserving one now. Last year we were able to sell out our space. Mark C.

Hi Vern, The closest East Coast Show will be the Orlando Florida Japanese Sword Show - June 21-23, 2024. Coincident with our 10th year, the NTHK will be holding a shinsa. Please join us. Best Mark C 2024 Orlando Show FLyer.pdf 2024 Orlando Show Poster.pdf

Thanks, David, for your reply and insight. Good luck on your tsuka. Best Mark

Hello all, I was fortunate to pick up a Bizen Motomitsu (Enbun era) ko wakizashi in koshirae recently. I have some question on the fittings. This is out of my area of knowledge but I am thinking later (19th c) Kyo kinko overall with the menuki being a little higher quality. I have also heard Nagoyamono. Besides an opinion on place of origin can anyone render a thought as to theme of the fittings? They give the feeling of an old tale. I also love the great ito maki - what is its style and difficulty in producing. It looks extra difficult. Thanks, and please weigh in on any question you'd like. With most appreciation, Mark C

... and a few more. Mark C

Thanks everyone who attended the sword show and contributed to a great summer weekend in Orlando. Swords, Fittings, Amor, Iaido, Tameshigiri, Soshu Den Exhibit, ikebana, and Bonsai made for a well attended show. Here are some images, Best Mark C

The 2023 Orlando Show closed out after a great weekend of swords, study, and friends. Seventeen US states and Canada were represented by guests. Thank you everyone for your support, Pictures forthcoming, but have a look on You Tube - search "Orlando Japanese Sword Show." I picked up a nice Osafune Motomitsu sunobi tanto in koshirae (ca 1350, Kanemitsu ippa) that I will include in the picture group soon to post. 2024 is in the plans. Mark C

Thank you, Brian. Hope to see you in SF Mark

Great show, Mark! Thanks for many years of Nihonto fun! Nark C

Same here, Dan. See you soon, Mark

The Orlando Florida Japanese Sword Show is coming soon - June 23, 24, 25, 2023 and is shaping up to be a good one. We hope to see everyone there. Mark C Show Poster - On Line.pdf

Thanks everyone - I was thinking kazumi and after the great read still so - or scroll weights (Curran). Great article! Posting my question has really brought some scholarship to the front for all. Mark

While at the Chicago show last week I bought or traded a few iron tsuba. Here is one I particularly like - Tokubetsu Hozon tosogu to Ko Tosho. 90 mm dia x 2.5 mm thick in really good iron/steel. Under magnification a galaxy of nie in the plate. My guess middle Muromachi. What is curious is that the two pair of linear elements are cut very differently in size. The walls are similar in age, I know I have seen this motif before, but can someone refresh me with what the sukashi represent? Thank you, Mark

Great photo set. Looks like a great show!

Will be there!

Great photos and comments guys, Much appreciated by those of us who couldn't make this one. Congratulations, Mark on this inaugural show.

Both special events will be on Saturday afternoon. Hope you can make it.

Happy New Year, and inviting all to the 9th Orlando Florida Japanese Antiques and Sword Show - June 24-25 2023. The hotel block is open and tables are selling. Orlando in June is a great place to bring the family. A few events have been added to the show on Saturday. First is a curated sword exhibit - Soshu Den - School of Masamune. Swords of the early Kamakura tradition thru Nambokucho. Wonderful swords with an introduction by Markus Sesko, Associate Curator of Asian Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, followed by "in hand" study, The Beauty of Kogatana. A presentation by Patrick Giacobbe, 45 year conservator and student of the Japanese Sword. Pat will discuss kogatana history, its evolution, mei translations, important smiths, horimono, restoration, kantei and appraisal. Bring your kogatana. If you appreciate bonsai, the Bonsai Societies of Florida's Central Florida Club will have an all-weekend display of superb bonsai trees. A "People's Choice Award" will be given for your favorite tree. Have a look at the latest update attached and hope to see you at show. Mark Ceskavich Show Flyer Public.pdf

The Southeast US will be well represented at this new show. Alas, I will travel as usual to Chicago and, of course, Orlando in June. Enjoy the show, guys.