Kanenaga

I was taught that toppei koshirae like this were a 19th-century development to allow swords to be worn with (Western-style) trousers. I rather like this particular somewhat flashy example.

I dislike being in the position of "piling on," and I too appreciate all that Markus has done to bring nihonto information to those of us who cannot read Japanese, but there is also an issue with "Tosogu Classroom" -- ostensibly a five-volume direct translation project, of which two have been published and three more promised to those of us who paid for the full series. An update would be much appreciated.

For high-end swords, Jimmy Hayashi in San Francisco is fully Japanese-trained and certified. Possibly the only one in NA.

I think that when Japanese collectors or dealers submit swords for Hozon shinsa, it is often to validate the signature. Hozon suffices.

Just came across this reawakened old thread. Can I be the first to have noticed that the signature on the blade and on the disputed green paper are different?

Is anyone willing to share their experience of doing business with Japan online seller Giheiya? The principal is Atsuo Imazu. Thanks. Les

Anyone near Detroit, MI, USA, who might be interested to look at a found sword just out of the woodwork? Signed Munemitsu, that's all I know about it. Give me your contact info, I'll forward it to the owner. PM ok.

Forgive my ignorance, but what is the theme of this tsuba?

It does, John. Thanks. Anyone else?

Has anyone done business with this Japanese online seller Taiseido? He's one of the NMB commercial links. Les

Excellent video. I found it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wBCprAinDyeiMeY75fDpawRX_4rZfqsM/view

Well, Ken, you are correct, but you and DARPAnet were ahead of the curve. Wikipedia also says " The linking of commercial networks and enterprises by the early 1990s marked the beginning of the transition to the modern Internet." All I remember from the early 1990s is email, and not much else. But then, that could be my memory.

It's hard to read a thread like this and not think about the Internet, which did not exist in 1995, and which has transformed all aspects of collecting, including Japanese swords. Peter couldn't possibly foresee this, no one could -- except maybe for a couple of engineering students at Stanford. We can do things today that were unimaginable 25 years ago: kick tires and shop on specialty auction sites and Japanese dealer websites, see hi-res images from museums, translate from Japanese in the click of a mouse, and participate on forums like this one. We even have discussions about whether sword shows are obsolete (I hope not). Has all this made nihonto collecting better or worse? Hard to say, but the comment about smaller collections still rings true.

Try Mike Yamasaki. http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2009/5/22/mike-yamasaki/

I'm looking at Barrie's photos -- could someone point out what features distinguish an Owari koshirae, or tsuka?

Here's a link to the Sesko article. Sorting out legends around Ôhara Sanemori | Markus Sesko

According to Markus Sesko, quoting from earlier sources, Ohara Sanemori (or the lineage of Ohara Sanemoris) worked in the Heian period (12th century) or possibly earlier. Wakizashi like this one were not made in any significant numbers until the Nanbokucho period ( mid-14th century).

I'm interested to know if anyone has dealt with Tokyo dealer and online seller Ginza Seiyudo and is willing to share their experience? Please feel free to pm me if that's more comfortable. Thanks. Les

This is a great topic. Since no one else has mentioned these, here are some things that can make my pulse race. Naturally, the many physical aspects of the sword as discussed are also very important to me, but these three can add a special frisson of excitement: 1. Signature 2. Date 3. Good horimono Some might say "elitist,' but I would disagree. Many fine Shinshinto and Gendaito blades have these features, and to my eye they add an extra dimension of interest.

It's been my understanding that the kuyo mon, as depicted on this sword, is most strongly associated with the Hosokawa daimyo of Higo province. I can't think why this should appear on a sword purporting to be by an early generation Kunikane. However, I have noted that Kunikane blades, especially the early ones, command a high price at DTI, so perhaps are worthy of counterfeiting.

...and "sold out."

I just received word that Paul Davidson has passed away. Paul was not active on this Board, but was a good friend and excellent colleague to many of us, and a leading figure in the world of nihonto study and collecting as President of the NBTHK-American Branch. His loss leaves a major void in our little community. Les

Thanks to all for the education. Great to have so many knowledgeable people on this board.

Hope I'm not violating a board policy. This is just a heads-up that I've listed a kai-gunto in the "for sale' section. Les

Isn't this the same blade referred to as Taima in the previous post?