manfrommagnum

Let's see if we can get more people interested at the sword show. I could host the first.

Im thinking about more that just presentations. I am thinking a social club as well. One meeting can be just for mismatched fuchi "exchange" followed by a sake tasting. Book reviews/ trades / info exchange. Vote each month to determine what to do next month. Mike

I am thinking something out near Naperville that is both a study group and social group. Meet monthly? Thoughts?

One thing to keep in mind is that the Satsuma region was part of the Shimazu clan holdings. Once the Tokagowa took power, most Shimazu lost their fiefs and became farmers, Ronin, and sailors. Nagasaki was one of the ports that Made the Shimazu rich.

Shimazu Clan during late Muromachi period? Mike

Can anyone provide a name or example of a sword made for the Shimadzu clan in Satsuma (if possible )? Time period is 1550 to 1570. Thanks! Mike

I am new to collecting. Buy I will say this: I look forward to the day when real science is used to evaluate swords so people stop polishing mei off swords to get an attribution that may be disingenuous at best. The mere fact that there is a huge amount of debate around the various certificates is why I would never buy a sword based on papers with attribution. Personally,I can't trust a process of providing value to something that was altered in a manner so as to hide the fact that a different mei was on the sword to start with. Mike

Soten floral tsuba. I like it because it is not the typical. mike

Sand Cast? Mike

Pictures please

I would offer one non expert piece of advice. Whether or not to get a sword restored depends on many things. Not just return on investment. If you do get it restored, do you have a proper place to preserve it. Each sword is a piece of history that can be sharpened only so many times. Also, what will you do with it? Michael

Pictures?

Very sorry for your loss.

It is worth what someone is willing to pay. Mike

Maybe this. http://www.shibuiswords.com/myochinschool.html I would consider it a pretty nice piece. Mike

The symbols can all be symbols of the catholic Eucharist. Gourd = wine and water, mushroom = food or "host", lantern is light of the world, and cloud symbolizes incense which is used during the consecration. It was common practice for fishing communities to substitute fish for a host. A mushroom would not be a stretch since it has a profile of a cross. Michael

My advice is to buy the items in Japan and wear them home as jewelry. Plus you would look really cool wearing full armor in the airport.

Buddhist bell?

That is what i thought. But i was hoping someone back then kept records.

Thanks Ford. That is helpful. I am wondering what artists i should google if i am looking for a matching tsuba. Might you have some ideas?

Soooo...

Is there any way of knowing what samurai soheishi Sôten made his tsuba for? Like clans in general and title or name in particular?

That is not quite accurate. Civil wars and starvation warfare is wiping them out. A problem that has plagued Africa and india for over a thousand years.