Eric H

Well, is this so difficult to find out? on the picture: left, on the omote is o-sujikai - right, on the ura is gyaku sujikai...to be precise the filemarks do not run in the same direction on both sides of the nakago. Eric

mamori gatana are made as an offering to a newborn, for protection and charm... Eric

Saya covered with snake skin is very very rarely seen... Eric

Regrettably for the owner the mei is a fake. For what can be seen, the horimono is poorly executed. Eric

a picture is worth a 1000 words... :lol: Eric

I remember to have seen this well preserved and elegant Toppei-Koshirae with roiro-nuri inrokizami saya and leather wrapping with fittings en-suite in another thread... an interesting feature is the spring lock, from what I believe is only seen on Koshirae of the late 19th c. Would be interesting to see the blade Eric

Interestingly on both tsuka the menuki depict Namazu, catfish...any relationship to Musashi...or coincidence? Eric

John, you are a lucky guy to own this outstanding sword, and to have information on a part of its very last history, which adds a lot to its value. The Koshirae is perfect in any aspect. Those who already have visited John‘s site know of this exceptional Wakizashi by Kanesada (Nosada), highly interesting in relation to the hamon, but the new informations on its history are specially valuable. Thank you for sharing... Eric

Issando Joi seal Eric

Another stunning horimono by Tadatoshi on a Wakizashi by Omi Daijo Tadahiro. Is it true that during Showa times horimono sometimes were executed machine made? Eric

agreed! Generally the yasurime are an important part of the mei. In a smith‘s career its style remains throughout the same and usually it‘s in his masters style. Furthermore the intact yasurime on a mumei nakago can help to identify the smith. This nakago has obviously been improperly cleaned possibly with the aid of an acid. Eric

The color of the Tsubas and the Kozuka resemble rather to russet iron then to shakudo coated with a kind of glittering varnish, the uniform look suggest that they were treated improperly...the kao is definitely not that of Omori Teruhide. Eric

Horimono on a Tachi by Umetada Myoju, dated 1598...his carvings are highly praised of unrivaled quality. Eric

The critical point is, how do you recognize that there is a significant work of art. The answer is simple, only one who has the adequate connoisseurship. What are the features that raises a sword to Juyo?...until now the panel of Japanese experts alone are able and decisive for such a judging. I have read in the past of voices who declare that there are given Juyo to swords not deserving it. Examples would be welcome. On the other hand there are recommendations by sellers like „a good candidate for Juyo“ to help selling those blades. Why do not those „believers“ submit the respective blades on their own, for the expected financial benefit would go in their pockets? Be careful! However, the task promoted by Barry is very challenging, mostly with blades with suguha. Could be three swords either of the same period or optional of Koto, Shinto, Shinshinto...this would include the major difference in sword tradition. Have a look back on the list by Chris. I add details of a Juyo Katana. Now it‘s up to you to decide if the requirements of the list are met in this case. P.S. the hada leads to the school. Eric

Hardly, that's going faster... :lol: Excellent Horimonos on Gendaito 2 - by Abe Akira 3 - by Jitohan Senshu 4 - by Tadamasa 5 - by Masahira 6 - by Shigemasa Eric

A skillfully excecuted horimono adds to the beauty of a blade, it is an integral part of the blade and should be appreciated as such...to say that it detracts from its beauty is complete nonsense. Some examples... but not my swords. Eric

From my collection Kakejiku KOTOBUKI „Longevity“ one-hundred times Tosogu by Tomokata Eric

This has always been a mystery to me... ... how and in which light can the color shades be seen at best? Daylight, artificial light, or to look at a specific angle? Eric

I wonder how that works without a tsuka... The sword and naginata handles are made of wood. The two halves are placed on the tang, then the iron mekugi is put in. The two iron rings are then jammed of as hard as they will go, then wooden wedges are driven in the top to make the blade absolutely tight in the handle. The handle for the naginata has a hole in the bottom to allow for the length of the tang. No doubt a tester would have quite a selection of these handles to allow for the various tang shapes and sizes. With spears a special tsuba was used to prevent the spearhead getting completely jammed in the head. (Andrew Ford)

Lacquer objects of value were traditionally stored in kiri boxes or in textile wrappers for protection from exposure to light and other sources of possible damage as well as a buffer of changes in humidity. That said, swords are best stored in silk bags instead of to hang them on the wall or permanently on display...in any case when there are valuable Koshirae, f.e. an impeccable black lacquer saya etc. I have seen damages on the lacquer of outstanding Koshirae due to the ingnorance of their respective owners. However, for an old yumi, depending on its actual state, this foresight is negligible. Eric

Koshirae Eric

Basically all lacquerware must be kept out of strong light, dustfree and in an environment with proper humidity. Black lacquer objects f.e. turn a mottled brown when exposed to light, they loose their sheen and become dull due to degrading its surface by light. However, the appearance can sometimes be improved with the application of a coat of good quality paste wax, containing carnauba, once or twice a year. The wax saturates the lacquer and restores depth and shine. Wax should only be applied if necessary, and not to pieces which are in good condition. Eric

The „poor old guy“ frontierdog (319, green star), 94 year old WW2 Vet. seems to be very active on eBay regarding his age The truth will be far away from his explanations... (Q & A). All what is poor are the pictures...and the audacitiy to ask this horrendous amount. Dear Simon Binks, it is beyond my imagination why you ask for support. Eric Question & Answer Answered On Q: Sir, I think that is sword is worth more than 100k. You should be asking more than that. It could even be in the million dollar range. Good luck Jan-24-12 A: DEAR GOOD GIRL;AS YOU MAY KNOW IM A 94 YEAR OLD WW2 VET.I HAD DEFERED THE TAXES ON MY HOME OF 50 YEARS.RECENTLY THEY KICKED ME OFF THE PROGRAM ,AND SAID I OWED $215,000'00 HAD I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING HOME A SWORD I HAD DONE IN THE EMPERORS ROYAL PURPLE I MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN THE MONEY YOU TALK OF,HOWEVER IWILL DO THE BEST I CAN WITH HAVE THANK YOU VERRY MUCH FRONTIERDOG Q: May I ask as a collector of 30+ years, where you got the idea that this sword was worth $89,000? I will be able to offer advise. I have been watching and not with no surprise tat you ave received no bids. Sincerely, Simon simn@simon-binks.com Jan-24-12 A: SIR; I HAD A Japanese COLLECTOR , TELL ME IT WAS WORTH OVER 100,000.00 I WILL NOT RELEASE HIS NAME. THE RITE GUY WIILL COME BY , UNTIL THEN IM 94 YEAR OLD WW2 VET TRYING TO SAVE MY HOUSE.THANKS FRONTIERDOG

Yes he is double entered ... anyhow the accepted in use reading I have seen on various examples is without exception Masayasu... and it‘s confirmed by Moriyama san. Kazarena, I‘d like to suggest to change the respective entry in the index. Eric

The quoted index is misleading, this should be read Masayasu (not Masamitsu). Eric