general_piffle

They both belong to the same koshirae but I wondered if any of you knowledgeable folk could shed any light on them? Anything at all really. The tsuba looks like a wave pattern/design, no idea why the side holes would have been plugged up in such a way. The menuki look possibly like some kind of buddhist symbol or possibly family crest? Any insights gratefully received.

The money and time I spend on sourcing and purchasing exactly what I'm looking for are largely irrelevant as long as they are within what I can afford, on both counts. They are an investment in a hobby/study I enjoy and would no doubt eventually be spent on something else far less fascinating or beautiful.

When I first became fascinated by nihonto and started to learn about them, like many newbies, I had absolutely no idea how little I knew. Now, after several years I have come to the realisation that I know very, very, little. I see this as positive progress. At least I have learnt something.

Thanks very much for your reply Ken. Out of interest, do you know why the shirasaya is usually replaced when a blade is polished? Thanks.

Good evening, I was wondering about the lifespan of a shirasaya? Are they only ever replaced if they become damaged or do they have a certain 'shelf life' where they're fit for purpose and need replacing every 5/10/20 years? Thanks in advance for your advice/insights.

A small follow-up, the sword is now secured but still in Japan while paperwork is carried out. Some pictures, apologies for the low quality but this is all I have for now:

Great communication from Grev and two lovely tsubas.

Thanks Gentlemen, this is great, I'll include all of these suggestions when planning the trip.

Hi All, I'm planning a trip to Japan next year and would love to take in some sword museums or publicly displayed collections that are recommended. We'll be travelling around so Tokyo, Kyoto, possibly Nara but would happily travel for a great museum or display. Any recommendations gladly received. Many thanks.

Glad you got it safely Gwyn.

I wondered if any of the learned people here could pass on any information about 'Masatoshi' or the tsuba in this link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Signed-TSUBA-18-19th-C-Japanese-Edo-Antique-Koshirae-fitting-Flowers-d892/401376359547?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 Thanks in advance.

Quick update on this. Thanks to Matt's eagle eyes it turned out to be an excellent Musashi Taro Yasukuni wakizashi in shirasaya with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers. After a bit of confusion, as the dealer in Japan (understandably) speaks very little English the sword has been secured with the assistance of the very helpful Pablo at Unique Japan and is in the process of making its way to me. This is after around 3 years of searching for a papered sword made by either Omura Kaboku or one of his key students - of which this particular generation Yasukuni most certainly was (thanks here also to Markus Sesko for providing me with invaluable insights into Kaboku's history and apprentices). Very happy is an understatement.

Thanks for the info, gentlemen, very helpful.

Apart from being slightly smaller and lighter are there any other distinct differences between the tsuba for a wakizashi in comparison to that for a katana? Generally speaking of course. I ask because I'm in the process of pulling together fittings for a wakizashi to make up a koshirae. This will hopefully create a daisho with the mumei katana I already have. Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Hi Grev, Email sent regarding T235 and T107. Thanks. Joel

Many thanks Matt. I've tried to contact the vendor. Fingers crossed I get a response and it's available.

Bumping this as the recent technical issue wiped all replies. If anyone spots a katana made by Musashi Taro Yasukuni (with or without koshirae) please let me know. Many thanks.

Preferably papered, I'm after a katana made by Musashi Taro Yasukuni, the Shinto smith who studied under Omura Kaboku. With or without koshirae, please contact me if you have such a katana. Many thanks.

Hi Alex, I did give a brief summary (limited characters in feedback) and left negative feedback. However, high5japan had the negative feedback removed (sellers can do this a few times every 12 months I believe). Hence me posting what happened here as I think people deserve to go into any transaction with their eyes open and with people coming here to study and ask advice it seemed the appropriate place and the best I could do in the circumstances.

Very interesting debate gentlemen. Am enjoying reading as it unfolds. FWIW I studied sculpture at Chelsea School of Art to BA Hons more years ago than I care to remember. Although I do remember learning the 'lost wax' casting method, hugely enjoyable.

Thank you Steven, I suspected as much, fortunately I only paid what was proportionate for it as a copy. I'll study it closely and use it as a learning experience before selling it on. Thanks.

Here we go:

Hi Brian / Steve, thanks for your replies. I don't know how to post more pictures in a reply without uploading them to say photobucket and inserting links in my post but I think it could well be a copper cast albeit an old one. If so does this make it relatively worthless? Thanks.

I really liked the design on this tsuba, the grape vines and the squirrel. Would really appreciate any views or info on it from the pictures. Thank you.

It's not the outright price that's important but the way the deal was handled, or rather mishandled. Please see the previous posts for more info. Thanks.