Toryu2020

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

Nicely done -t

Daikon?

Our teacher Hon'Ami Koji Sensei has curated this exhibit at the new Tsurugaoka Museum in Kamakura. Of note is one sword donated to the shrine by a certain Budoka and lover of swords... https://tsurugaokamuseum.jp/english/tanoshimu/index.html?top

Kuni Iri Yoku! From a private collection in Japan - don't believe it has been out of the country till now. It's a Yoshii blade so a bit later than Ichimonji... -t

This is a pretty ancient thread - not sure if I posted this or not Here is a fine old Tachi with what I am convinced is battle damage. If you understand the three "zones" of a sword blade; Attack, Controi and Defense - then you'll understand when I say this is exactly where I would have my sword over my forehead when blocking a cut to my men/hachi. All supposition I know but I believe that this sword took this hard blow, did not fail and thus saved someones life. That person then dutifully put it in storage and preserved it in deference to the fact that it saved myself or my ancestors life and thus it is in such fine condition today... -t

My apologies - I'm in the habit of saying "Shiro" cause they are white the correct naming is "Shirauo" with an "A"... シラウオ - Wikipedia

No.121 - not eels, but Shirouo... -t

This

Nice find - Hachigatsu hi or a day in August is not uncommon at all...

A day in July Showa 19 - Etchu Fujiwara Hiromitsu altered this - original mei says - Goshu Ishiyama ju Yoshifumi tsukuru Thats my reading anyways... -t

One thing everyone should know is that the NBTHK now posts a translation of the Shijo Kantei on it's website each month and we can now enter our bids electronically right there on the website. Used to be if you had paid for "slow postage" you wouldn't get your magazines in time to submit a bid. Peter makes an excellent point, in Japan shijo kantei is considered second only to hands-on in-person study, now more than ever we should be taking advantage of this great exercise. For those who are interested the NCJSC now offers a zoom kantei class each month and a shijo kantei published monthly in our newsletter. All materials are presented in English and we welcome new members from anywhere in the world. -tch

There you have it - Kanemasu...

I don't think rust is your problem this doesnt look like a legitimate signature - higaki yasuri suggests Mino but the hamachi/munemachi look off. Can you take a close up of the mei including the area around the mekugi-ana but straight on, not at an angle? -t

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