Robert Mormile

Hello Robert: The signature reads Hida (no) Kami Ujifusa or 飛騨守氏房. There were at least 4 generations of this smith in late koto to early shinto times. Their reputation for quality was rather good. Does your sword have fittings? Perhaps you could post some photos of the blade and fittings for others to view. Enjoy your sword. Robert

Howard: Perhaps, this is 久永 HisaNaga. But too difficult to say, a photo with direct light (natural or otherwise) should reveal each stroke. Best of luck. Robert

Curtis: I see 3/5/3 not 5/7/5. Robert

Alex: Not sure where you got that impression from but it is not accurate. Shinto and Shin-Shinto blades receive Juyo certificates. There are even Tokubetsu Juyo swords of the Shinto period by Kotetsu, Hankei, Shinkai and others. The standards by which they are judged are different however. Robert

Grev: Looks like 包芳 to me which would be Kaneyoshi. I will be interested to see what is said about the leather covered example. What does the other side and lateral look like? (Leather covered as well?) Robert

Justin: This might give evaluators a good start but… 1. How long is the cutting edge? 2. Please photograph the temper line at where it meets the tang. 3. Can you photograph the entire thickness of the tang? (We are looking to see if there is a variation in thickness to try to extrapolate when the original machi was.) *If this were Ichimonji it would be toward the end of the tradition's timeline as the kissaki is so large. The ichi was difinately added later. Thank you. Robert

Why not disassemble the gun and ship in in parts over a few months. This way you are only shipping “Japanese metalwork” and “Japanese woodwork” instead of a gun? Guess it’s too late now but, just an idea for the future… Robert

All: Byzantine. As we know, during Momoyama, there were many fine objects that were brought into Japan from abroad that were incorporated into arms and armor. I would be very interested to hear what Ford says about these but the gold-work doesn’t look Japanese to me although I can understand the argument for Hirata. I believe the gold-work is Byzantine and was perhaps gifted to someone important who had a very high-class early goto mount put on it. The nanako are magnificently executed. I am not a fittings specialist but this is my opinion. Thank you. Robert

All: I believe they are the same sword. Oshigata are never an exact replications of the nakago. Paper often shifts slightly when oshigata are being created and depending on how each of the angles of the edges are certain areas can be diminished or accentuated. Look closely at some of the rust spots and pock marks on various areas of the nakago. (if I had time now I would modify the photo myself but…) there are significant correlations in these areas. Also, as the size of the oshigata and photo are slightly different there is sort of an optical illusion. Definitely the same blade. Robert

All: I think they are each a woven hand fan. Robert

James: I predict that an in-hand examination will lead us to see Sukesada: 祐 定 As suriage took some material off the mune of the nakago the right side of the characters have been compromised. The sword itself is handsome. Best of luck with it. Robert

Ok, thanks gentlemen.

All: Ok, so is the consensus now that shipping via EMS out of Japan is still valid and acceptable as long as it has the silly-sticker affixed to the box by Japan Post? By the above statements from James Lawson, it seems that he received 3-4 swords from Japan recently without issue. Is that correct? I would also assume that US Postal Service (as they interface with EMS / Japan Post) would be willing to ship swords to Japan as well… Many thanks. Robert

Google: obidome

All: I just noticed that there is an current exhibition at a regional museum that might be of interest to our members. If you are planning to be in the greater New York City area around the Holiday’s this is about an hour away by car. (From Website) Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor The striking duality of deadly weaponry forged with artistic beauty is on full display in Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor. With 63 works by master craftsmen from the 13th to 20th centuries, the exhibition features five full sets of armor, masks, helmets, and warrior hats. Remarkable weapons include long and short swords, daggers, and examples of early Japanese rifles. The exhibition also showcases a pair of 17th-century folding screens by a Kano school artist depicting battle scenes from the famous Tale of the Heike, one of the greatest warrior epics in Japanese literature that marks the dawn of samurai honor, valor, and fortitude. Lethal Beauty was curated by Dr. Andreas Marks, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Collection of the Clark Center, and tour organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. http://www.katonahmuseum.org/exhibitions/ Enjoy! Robert

All: Was this series of two videos ever disproved? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtSSLaSdEtE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKaVuI4ubLQ Thanks. Robert

All: Had a great time at the Northeast Japanese Sword Show. Although, smaller than Tampa, this is only the first year at this new venue. I did business with 8 individuals at the show and saw money changing hands. The dealer’s dinner was Japanese style and quite delicious. My transactions were, 3 swords, 5 tsuba, 6 woodblock prints, 1 painting, 1 vase and 7 books. I hope there will be a Shinsa next year to solidify this show on the annual calendar. Hats off to Bill Green & Natalya for promoting a successful Northeast Show. Robert

Markus: Ok, great, thanks. Will purchase the 5 books. Robert

Understood. Thank you. Robert

Fellow Members: I am just about to purchase 5 books written by Markus. Does anyone happen to have the latest discount code? Thank you. Robert

Markus: Thanks VERY much for posting those oshigata. Most Sincerely, Robert

Bazza: Thanks for your input. Jussi: One of the oshigata that you provide is indeed sandai. Thank you! Morita-san: My subscription to Token Bijutsu ended when I left Japan in 1998. Would you be able to photograph oshigata from the later Teruhiro generations that the article offers? The blade that I am considering may actually be later than 3rd generation, I suspect. I will be making a donation to NMB when this process is finished. Many Thanks to all. Robert

James: Thanks for posting. I did see these two entries. The paper does not state generation or date(s). I believe the Sandai oshigata comes from Fujishiro (I will confirm) which lists sandai but doesn’t offer an oshigata. Talk to you later. Robert

Chris: Thanks for your input. Have you seen any published oshigata from generations after 2nd? It seems that there were many generations but only the first two seem to be noted in detail. With a linage that lasted so long, it’s interesting that it is not better documented. Thanks again. Robert

All: Wanted Dead or Alive: Will donate to NMB for Teruhiro sandai oshigata One oshigata = $50 donation Two oshigata = $100 donation Must provide oshigata prior to October 15, 2014. * Must be papered or published example. Thank you. Robert