Toryu2020

Does look like habaki - what does the other side look like?

A nice inheritance. Please do show us more photos of the blade, close ups of the area under the habaki, the hamon and kissaki/boshi. The blade should confirm the mei not the other way round. If you can re-take the photos of the nakago - straight up and down, no angles on a plain background that could help with what we are seeing. A nice conundrum to have... -t

Well if Kanbei died in 1877, he wouldn't be ordering swords in 1880 and given his story not likely to want a Satsuma sword. I like Moriyama's candidate... -t

158 - exceptional!

Good on you Todd - good luck in your search and I think youre right Michael Bell maybe does not get the recognition he deserves... -t

Jake - they are doing stranger things in Japan these days - do a search for the Evangelion sword exhibit - you might find a modern artist who is willing to do something like this for you but it would be ridiculously expensive and in a few years would appeal to no one but the most diehard Demon Slayer fans... -tch

Thats pretty cool, even for a replica. -t

The cape is very becoming, looks great on you Piers!

I would ask Saito San for an oshigata - but this Morimitsu is looking way better now. I generally don't figure the koshirae in the purchase price, its all about the blade but I might have to give some weight to this set... -t

Two character signature versus nagamei with nenki - is there a link for the Morimitsu?

I would say that the date does add a great deal - but what we are seeing here is not the hamon but the polish - really need better photos of the temperline. Its Aoi so I am going to pop over and see if there are oshigata, The other thing you need is a close examination of the jigane - if the Morimitsu is tighter overall and the Yasumitsu has openings or small imperfections that could also hurt the price. Condition is everything... -t

Mike - the 200 item limit is just what it takes to break-even (here in the U.S.) - you wouldn't have to guarantee that number but it would go a long way to convincing the team it is worthwhile - it is extremely hard to get folks to commit early, we always had walk-ins and late adds, these play havoc with the schedulling but in the end are welcome as they always put us over the top. -t I will be talking to Professor Robson this weekend and will see what he is thinking...

Does anyone here use a Library App to track their books and media? I'm especially interested in a system that supports books in foreign languages EG; Japanese. Any help appreciated... -t

Indeed Pierre will have great insight. Japanese language is not enough there is so much more to it. You need to be prepared to support yourself for up to eight years while you basically work for room and board. It is especially rare that a person from outside Japan has the wherewithal and vision to match a Japanese craftsman. This is not to say it is impossible. Besides your language studies you need to start building a network of contacts, collectors, friends and relatives who can support you in your efforts and ultimately act as "sponsors" when it comes time to introduce you to various potential teachers. "One does not just simply walk into Mordor..." -t

He's still on FB doesn't seem to be hiding... -t

Ryo - I don't think you need to lower the price - just need to wave it under some more noses. This is an excellent set and should sell fast when people see it... -t

I'm wondering which NTHK are you talking to?

Well if Vajo has given us a valid example there are worlds of difference here - number one the finish of the nakago - kesho yasuri plus deeply cut sujikai versus kiri - the "hand" in Vajo's sample is simple wonderful, deep and flowing versus a rather clunky look to the makers name especially - the tsuki-hi looks almost sosho but that could be because the faker doesnt have to copy characters he writes everyday... The sword did sell so, good on him. -t

and Just this past weekend they kicked it all off with a special forging demonstration by Gassan Sadatoshi and his son Sadanobu...

Heres the link to the "Go-fund-me" - I understand English instructions to be added shortly... 現代最高峰の刀匠による隠岐神社への刀剣奉納「新御番鍛冶プロジェクト」始動。｜マクアケ - アタラシイものや体験の応援購入サービス (makuake.com)

I am sure everybody is already following these events but, just in case I will share some updates from Mr Paul Martin who has become the driving force behind a terrific new project in Japan. I think it would be worthwhile if we all support this in whatever small way, and I think if you are interested you should be following Paul (The Japanese Sword) on Facebook or Youtube - lots of interesting videos besides these. -tch https://fb.watch/8KAng6KO67/

Sure enough ー here's Daikoku...

Dale ー I believe you are right ー Daikoku and a sake bottle. Lots of images out there apparently though first time I am seeing a tsuba. I agree no relation to Yagyu, sorry cannot help to place it or the auction house... -t

Not uncommon - Late Edo, there was a fad for these and many were made - don't think I have ever seen a really fine blade in one of these. Most often you see them done in "sheet copper" but there are high end examples that were done in silver. -tch

Mon were adopted by thousands of families - trying to attach an item to an individual family is generally a fools errand - in the case of Daimyo they usually had three or four associated mon and if you don't have two or three mon on your object attribution is pure speculation... -t