jblack

Paul, Re: The two small hi are a reresentation of gomabashi-chopstick like utensils used in a buddhist ritual to fead a fire from which Fudo-myo-o is invoked That is the first time I have heard of the reasons for the gomabashi. Many thanks, Jeff

Thanks folks! I started with the Nihonto Kanji Pages, but had trouble with the script like characters. Something else to work on. ä¸å‹•æ˜ŽçŽ‹ – Fudô Myô-ô it is then. Thanks again. Cheers, Jeff

Hi all, Yet another question. I have a katana signed Soshu Ju Yasuharu Saku with a Bonji carved on the ura and Shin no Kurikara on the omote. I have been searching for the defination/specific meaning of the bonji, but the only place I have see it is: Masamune, A Genius Swordsmith and His Lineage By: Sano Art Museum, 2002 on the following pages - 84,85; 85,86; 88,89; 90,91. Is it defined on any of the pages (Japanese text) or does someone know? Many thanks, Jeff

Jeffrey, You can get them directly from Hawley: http://www.wmhawley.com/ I believe a different edition, but $160.00. The auction went for $207. Cheers, Jeff

Thanks for the title help! I was able to find some translation info in the AFU quarterly - fall. Cheers, Jeff

Hello all, I picked this up in Tokyo at the sword museum when I attended the Dai Token Ichi several years ago. A wonderful little book, great images however I only look at the photos as I don't read Japanese. I am trying to catalog my library and would like to know the title. Many thanks, Jeff

Thank you all for the insights on the tsuba. I am enclosing a picture of the fuchi that was with the tsuba, both were on a sword signed 'Soshu ju Yasuharu tsukuru". A couple of years a go Richard Turner was kind enought to have friends in Japan translate the fuchi: This ribbon-like paper is anzaku (strip of Paper) for Waka (Japances poem). there are three Chinese letters (my winter season). This is the part of a Waka poem. I think there are another parts of poem on tsukagasihra, kojiri and menuki. So, we will understand all of this poem when all parts can be read. Could the fuchi be by the same artist as the tsuba? When I received the sword the kashira and one menuki had been lost. The remaining menuki was a solid gold dragon, but had no inscription. The tsuba is much later than the sword. So once again, I would love your comments. Thank you, Jeff

Hello all, I have a tsuba that I am trying to get a bit more info on. It is signed MASAKAGE with his KAO on the left side, I am told that he is a student of the TANAKA school. If anyone has more information on Masakage or the Tanaka school or can point me in the correct direction, I would appreciate it. Many thanks, Jeff