DirkO

In the Daijisen dictionary (大辞泉, publisher Shôgakukan Inc, 小学館) menuki are described the following way: „Menuki (目貫), originally referring to the mekugi (目釘). Later a rivet-like ornament on the top of the mekugi which is visible on the sword hilt. Became later an independent decorative element of the sword hilt.“ Extract from the NBTHK-EB translation by Markus Sesko of "Menuki – Sono rekishi to igi ni tsuite" - 目貫・その歴史と意義について - "About the History and Meaning of menuki" Iiyama Yoshimasa (飯山嘉昌) tôsô and tôsôgu expert Tôken-Bijutsu 9-2011, Nr. 656

Aren't peshmerga the good guys btw? Just saying...

Can't hurt to repeat it, Stephen! Original post: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/20058-n-b-t-h-k-move-of-offices-and-museum/

The Japanese sometimes write 4 as 2-2 because 4 has a bad connotation to it (something with it sounding the same as the Japanese for death) - it's not that uncommon in date signatures.

For the rest of us - here's a quick pic from the Juyo Bijutsuhin Zenshu:

Actually he was appointed teishitsu-gigei ́in (帝室技芸員) in Meiji 39 (明治) -> 1906

http://page24.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/q141116980 Now there's something you don't see often :-)

Manichibo tsuba come to mind as well...

My copy arrived today. I think this will become a standard reference work in English language regarding tosogu. It's projects like this that make it easier for people to get into this hobby, tearing down the language barrier. Really an amazing job! The pictures could've been better, but that's understandable, seeing Markus didn't have access to the originals and seeing it's a Lulu publication. Otherwise the cost would've been a lot higher. This one gives you a lot of bang for your buck! (to use a colloquialisme). Sorry for the poor mobile pictures, but I hope they give you an idea about the wealth of info in this publication! So everyone out there reaping the benefits of these publications, join a Japanese Sword Society and pitch in! A big thank you to Markus but also the various donators needed for this project and Mr Grey Doffin for proof reading!

Jean, this blade has now reappeared on Aoi - it was on their site already some time ago (29/02 to be exact :-) )

Sorry that's my mistake, normally I can follow the German explanation more easily, but I wasn't feeling 100%

The meeting was well attended as usual. Seeing I was bit under the weather - I hope my notes are correct! If not, please correct me! First of all there was a kantei-session: 1. Echizen Yasutsugu, Keicho Shinto, Shimosaka - excellent explanation by the owner how we could've arrived to this conclusion! 2. Shizu Kaneuji 3. Hizen Masahiro nidai - very flamboyant, not something you would immediately associate with Hizen. 4. Bizen Katsumitsu yoroidoshi (dated 1519) in perfect state of preservation (remnants of ubu-ha) - a rare sight After that we went on with a presentation by Herr Prof Kremers about the Tea Ceremony (chadō) and its influence on tsuba of that time. It was very interesting to see that not just some motifs but also the actual texture and colour of the different chawan and other vessles (Oribe-yaki, Raku-yaki,...) reappeared on tsuba. As always it was a very worthwhile meeting.

Yes I also used him for polishing and shinsa and I can highly recommend him.

Hmmm could it be a stylized owl? https://japanesemythology.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/owl-deity-chikap-kamui-owls-of-Japan-owl-tales-and-talismans/

Some weird coincidence - just crossed these: The openings are described as being symbols of luck?

Regarding the tsuba, its condition prohibits seeing certain features, so although it might be one of the earlier generations , kodai is a safe bet. In any case, it seems a bit worse for wear, pity for what originally was quite a nice tsuba!

Could it be he meant Yatsushiro in Jingo? Indeed, looks like a genuine Jingo - late generation is the safe call, seeing we don't have a lot to go on. The iron suggests later generations, although the ana seems a throw back to earlier work. More pictures would help to narrow it down.

Thanks! Never saw it before!

You might have bought it from a serious collector, however everything points to the same conclusion Brian reached. Sorry for not having any better news for you.

I think Aoi would have all the necessary info in their listing?

I consider myself lucky to have held Ono Yoshimitsu's version of the Yamatorige, let alone the real deal! Contrary to what one might think, this piece is not that widely published. The only decent write-up I think is in Showa Dai Meito Zufu (hugely underappreciated book) If Sato Kanzan and Junji Honma think very highly of it, that's saying a lot seeing they were very discriminate about what they liked. Sorry about the picture quality, the book is larger than my scanner I'm afraid! However, it does show the hamon nicely!