Mark S.

It would probably be assessed as ko-itame

NTHK papers (both flavors) are a little more ‘educational’ and probably tailored more to an overseas market who need a little assistance.

It only matters that I enjoy what I am collecting now. Someday that won’t matter… why would I worry about what others collect?

Just saw this one on a blade with koshirae on eBay. Didn’t give me that warm fuzzy feeling…

A bit esoteric maybe, but a silhouette of a monk (with head bowed?) or other person holding a sugegasa (large straw hat) or other item in front of them? Not sure if such a pose would have any deeper meaning for Japanese? End of a trip? Respect before entering temple? Etc.? Like a ‘tip of the hat’ means something in the western world (at least it used to). I’m just throwing it out there because sometimes little things are lost in translation over time and/or between cultures. Only photos I could find quickly.

But I SO wanted it to be this…

After some more searching, I think I found your ‘hammer’ and fish: Mokigyo

The ‘fishing pole’ looks like a bow for a kokyu (violin-like instrument)? Still not sure about the fish?, but what’s the old joke?… “you can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish!”

Thank you Piers. Always so much more to learn.

For all the discussion of gimei based on a stroke here or there, two really great photos of both these mei side by side would be enlightening. Both signed by the same hand on same day… identical? Just for discussion sake…

So Momijikari = “red leaves hunting” or "autumn leaf hunting” - to admire the beautiful autumn leaves

Thank you so much.

Steve… thank you so much. I always try with nihonto related items, but without any working knowledge of written Japanese, I rely on the kindness of members.

I am sorry to impose, but would someone be able to help me with this chashaku’s mei or poetic name (highlighted in red)? If you wish to add any of the other information, I would be grateful but don’t want to over-extend my request. I believe the chashaku was ‘named’ by Myodo Togami (not sure who actually made the scoop) who is Chief Priest at Gyokuryuji Temple. I believe the last two characters on the inside of the box are “Myodo”? Thank You

A tsuba I just picked up… slightly different and probably a simpler design. Just thought it might be of interest.

If I’m not mistaken, Unryu translates to “cloud dragon”.

Now you’re not suggesting that someone would try to ‘poach’ this blade behind the scenes are you?

So a quick shoot from the hip evaluation. It looks like a blade that was rusty, ‘cleaned’ with steel wool or sand paper and allowed to rust again. I only say that because it ‘appears’ that there is rust over the numerous longitudinal scratches on blade, but it is really tough to tell. It would help to see bare blade with no habaki and more close ups. My recommendation for now is “do no more harm”… Clean blade with the highest concentration of isopropyl alcohol you can, then keep it well oiled. Do not touch nakago except for very active red rest. Some of the blade rust may come off with repeated oiling and cleaning. Then seek out someone who can show you the proper way to use uchiko and obtain HIGH QUALITY uchiko. The blade in its current condition probably won’t be harmed a lot more than it already is with gently uchiko applications. You will need to be patient and resist the urge to hurry results. That is probably the hardest part. Over time (think months or even years - not hours or days) some of the activity may reveal itself. It’s either that or just get it in the hands of a qualified polisher.

I completely agree. The only favor I ask of the polisher (to educate me, not question him) is to let me know which style he is using and why that is best. Then I may ask the best methods I should use to view the activity and how/what I should be looking at and focusing on.

I’m sorry! I did run through the thread quickly, but missed the smaller pics. Didn’t mean to re-post.

Currently on EBay

Maybe something ‘flushable’??? The gold highlights indicating corn have probably long since disappeared. Once you see it, you’ll never unsee it…

I would use 9 months as a start, but I really hate to speak for Woody or his schedule. It also really depends on what else is going on… shows, demonstrations, etc. He gets pulled in lots of different directions.