DirkO

How about Kuro Shibuichi? "This is a sort of shibuichi (literally „black/dark shibuichi“), where the copper is added additionally with arsenic, to achieve a more darker grey wich sometimes can also get a slightly green colouring. " Was used early throughout several Higo schools. In Ito's Nishigaki book there's also mention of a handwriting by Kanshiro II (1639-1717) from his study period with Goto Teijo (approx. 1653-1663) (. This also mentions Shibuichi. Looking at the actual working time for Kanshiro the 2nd, the time when he studied with Goto Teijo well predates the 1700's. However if it was made late in his active career, it might be later than your earliest date.

Yep, I think the incense burner idea is better, the similarities are far greater.

Hi Richard, The ana were cut out later - try to imagine it without and you find the bonji:

Bizen Nambokucho at first sight - after some investigation, I'll go with Kanenaga.

Although the British museum and Tourist info desk are free - someone is paying for them. It's a free service for you, but in the background they get paid to provide whatever service they give out. Yes, this forum should be welcoming to new people, and it is. But not for the people who want to turn a quick profit. It's a free forum, and that being said, it's a "take it or leave it" approach. If people don't like the advice given here, or the tone of the replies, they can always try elsewhere. However they would be hard pressed to find the info provided here. Seeing it's a free forum, it comes with a free 'attitude' as well. You have to take the rough with the smooth. PS: Guido probably forgot more about nihonto than I will ever know - we should be thankfull for any help he provides. Because the real specialists are very scarce on this forum, and anyone willing to share their knowledge should be applauded and not commented upon because the tone of the reply wasn't to their liking.

The meeting was well attended with around 20 members. It started off with a sublime explanation by Prof. Kremers in both German and English (which was well received by us foreigners, although most of us understand German to a certain extent). They were arranged by age and as such provided a logical and easy to follow structure. Prof. Eckhard explained using examples how these tsuba followed function over the different periods in time and how some schools like Kyo-Sukashi didn’t. All the usual suspects for sukashi tsuba were there: Ko-Tosho, Ko-Katchushi, Kyo-Sukashi, Kanayama, Owari, Akasaka,…. Even a Kamakurabori tsuba that was relevant to the story. There were over 50 very fine examples. On top of that we were priviledged to see a Juyo Tensho Koshirae, published in various books (eg. Selected Fine Japanese Swords from European N.B.T.H.K. Collections by NBTHK EB and the Solingen Museum). Besides sukashi tsuba, there were also very fine Ko-Kinko works present. A few of which you never would have guessed were KoKinko, but rather late Kinko due to their immaculate state and elaborate details, quite impressive. After the tsuba part, there was also an interesting presentation by Mr Supper about gold mining during the Tokugawa period and these kind of circumstantial items do provide us with a better understanding of the importance and availability of gold during that time, which of course reflects in the production of kodogu in that period.

Very true, just as Hakogake and Wakazashi - it should be shirasaya!

I was thinking ji-sukashi as well, Thomas, but the kanji doesn't seem to fit - although it could just be really stylized

maru? sukashi 丸透 (not sure about first kanji) The lid seems to be by another person, maybe a previous collector (it also states similar things as mumei nanban,....)

mumei namban: 無銘 南蛮

nadekaku gata 撫角形 (edited, first thought I'd knew it, but need to search better) (re edit - found it!!!) Tetsu ji (iron based): 鐡地 Showa 昭和 I'll see if I can find more....

Hi Ryan, In the FAQ when you scroll down, there is a bit about buying your first sword and also recommended reading.

So are these: http://nihontou.jp/choice03/toukenkobugu/tantou/069/00.html http://nihontou.jp/choice03/toukenkobugu/tantou/099/00.html I think a ken is a straight blade with a double cutting edge. I'm not so sure it has to be diamond shaped Ken (剣): Usually a tanto or wakizashi length religious or ceremonial blade, with a gentle leaf shape and point, but some may be larger and can also refer to old pre-curve types of swords as above. Symmetrical and double edged.

It's not an Omi-yari, that term is only used for yari with a considerable nagasa. I actually do believe it's a Ken, the nakago is tapering too much and it's not square enough for it to be a pole weapon.

Pertinent question - where do you go from here as a collector? Stop collecting alltogether? Try to improve the Gokaden? Start with tsuba? No more thrill of the chase for you, Jean?

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOBK-1829538 seems fairly straightforward. Incl EMS shipping the book would be around 53€ if I bought 10 copies. Depending on which shipping option you take, it varies between 49 and 70€ for a single copy.

Stunning collection! Love the sugata of the Tametsugu, looks very healthy....

Hi Stephen, they do provide shipping: "We provide shipping services directly from our gallery, however eligibility is based on an item's dimensions. Shipments from our gallery may take four to six weeks. We pack and ship small items, small paintings and rugs. Larger items will be transferred to an alternative shipping agent upon your approval. "

I know Guido Schiller wrote a piece on this, but I can't seem to find it The idea is that Den means that although it shows the traits of the school/Smith, it also has some additional features. I think the original article was for swords, but might also apply to tosogu?

本朝鍛冶考 - Honcho Kaji Ko - (report on Imperial-collection swords) which was first published in 1796 If I'm correct, it's 1 book from a 12 Volume set. Has been republished several times. eg: http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f156212783

Very interesting if just the bibliography. Thx for sharing.

The one on the right seems to be Fudo Myo'o

Thanks a lot Marcus! Do you happen to know if confirmations like this occurred often? Or was it more common to issue a new one, although that would warrant extra fees again?

Would it be able to get Juyo nowadays? Doubtful. Was it repolished after it got Juyo in the 70's? Likely. If a Juyo is at this price, one has to tread very carefully. I've seen Juyo that changed quite a bit after a new polish and not always in a favorable way. Not saying this is the case here, but when a deal seems too good to believe...

I bought this Hon’ami origami (Tanuma origami 1750<->1810) at auction (just the origami) and now I’m having a go at the translation. It was an interesting exercise, and now I need some help to fill in the missing pieces and to possibly correct where I’m wrong. The way I see it, it was first issued 1787 (Hon’ami Kokyu) and some years laters the origami was confirmed after further suriage by Hon’ami Koitsu/Koichi (Markus Sesko says Koitsu, Albert Yamanaka says Koichi). Any help greatly appreciated! 兼定 – Kanesada 正真 – shoshin (authentic) 長サ貳尺貳寸八分 X 磨上有之 nagasa ni shaku ni sun hachi bu X suriage kore ari 代金子拾五枚 dai-kinsu jū go mai 天明七年未 Tenmei nana nen hitsuji (1787 – year of the goat) 弥生 三 日 来阿 [光久] yayoi mikka Hon A [kakihan Kokyu] (16th generation Hon’ami mainline master) ​Backside of origami: 享和三年 霜月 三日 長 貳尺 壱寸 九分 X 磨上 Kyōwa san nen shimotsuki mikka (1803, 11th month, 3rd day) nagasa ni shaku ichi sun kyu bu X suriage x x 光一 x x Koitsu/Koichi + Kao (personal kao?) (17th generation Hon’ami mainline master)