Toryu2020

Shinjirarenai! Unheard of in Japan, I am sure this guy is some lone nut and not part of a trend. At least I hope so... -t

Ken - Thanks for posting! This was a tough one. A very idiosyncratic signature and one I'll not soon forget. Would love to see photos of the blade if you get the chance... -t

Jan - Looks like you are making a terrific start as a beginner! FWIW the kanji are 長谷部国重. I for one look forward to hearing about the fruits of your research... -t

A terrific weekend! Lots of great items and all the great old faces seemed to be there as well. Bob Haynes was doing tsuba appraisals and signing books, David Mcdonald was wrapping handles and you can the wonderful artwork that was taking shape at the Toraba table. The NTHK held a kantei and gave a presentation on Ko-mino fittings. While this has been the subject of past presentations there were some exciting editions this year including a rare Ko-mino kashira in the shape of a kabuto-gane. The NBTHK display of the 16 generations of the Goto family was IMHO unrivalled by anything put on in Japan. Not only were the pieces spectacular individually the variety of items and themes blew holes in the notion that all the Goto did was make gold shishi and dragons. The detailed explanations by Robert Benson and Mike Yamazaki represented a master's course in the study of these amazing artists. This was likely the best display the NBTHK/AB has put on to date. There seem to be lots of buying and selling, I heard many sellers say they had successful weekends and I cannot recall anyone saying they were disappointed. The registration staff reported 170 something walk-ins on Saturday, in addition to a number of 3 day passes sold on Friday, I think you can see from the photos hos busy it was. Eric - these are some great shots, much better than my little camera could do. I have posted a few photos of things that caught my eye on my website; http://tinyurl.com/3zgfmvc Please visit and feel free to post questions or feedback here... -t PS Best in Show goes to Andy Quirt's Oku Motohira

Ed - Two different kanji actually; Tan, Sumi (炭) coal/charcoal as Morita san has pointed out Dan, danjiru (談) conversation/talk with/discuss Bibai Tanzan - a place name in Hokkaido Nara Tanzan Jinja - a shrine in Nara two very different locations as well. Also Go (後) To (藤) a very common family name as compared to Go (五) Ro (郎) a common first name - its easy for westerners to make the mistake but seeing it in writing there is no room for error - an interesting piece even without the connection to the tanto... -t

Now that I look closely you can see a sayagaki, How about some close ups of that? -t

My money is on Shinto, Shinogi-zukuri wakizashi by Hitachi n/k Muneshige (常陸守宗重) Student of Sukehiro. I expect if we see photos of the other side the yokote will be there, the shape I think is beggin for one... -t

Ordered mine as well, Looking very much forward to reading this... -t

Daphne- FWIW not sword related, not terribly old it appears. As Morita San has pointed out this is a Sumo-gyoji's fan or at least a model of one... -t

　Thanks George, Stay tuned for part two! -t

All - I am looking for images of any tsuba by Bushu Nihonbashi sanai-machi ju Masayoshi (正好) especially V&A Museum items M405 and M743 - but any works by this tsuba-maker are welcome. thanks, -t

Welcome aboard Eric, do post some photos of your bokken when you get around to it. -t

"Well he went down to dinner in his Sunday best, excitable boy they all said" Welcome back Simon! Good luck with the research and the newest collection! -t

Martin - To be sure we are all talking about the same smith it would be helpful if you post images of the Nakago. It would be a shame for someone to post all their research on Nobuyoshi of 1532 when in fact the smith is from a later date as I suspect. looking forward to photos... -t

http://www.ncjsc.org/SF_token_kai.htm All - Last minute reminder, the 2011 Northern California Japanese Sword Club To-Ken Taikai is just a week away. Less than that really. The largest sword show and sale outside of Japan, featuring dealers from Japan, Europe, Australia and all over the United States and Canada. In addition to over 100 dealers tables there will be educational events presented by the Nihon Bijutsu To-ken Hozon Kyokai U.S. Shibu, the Nihon To-ken Hozon Kai, and the Japanese Sword Society of the United States. Attendance was up last year, the hotel is filling up and we expect this year to be another busy and exciting event. If you all are anywhere near San Francisco at this time of year you should not miss it! I look forward to seeing you all there, -t

Keith - That would be five elements; Chi, sui, ka, fu, ku. Cannot make a sword without all five. I did not include other examples in my article but if you look in any reference on Mon, you should be able to find several of the Kanawa in 3, 4 and 5 ring designs. Although my SCA buddies laugh at the idea I still like "chain-mail" as a possible theme. "Blocky" is beautiful! Part of the reason I was attracted to it, clearly not work by a tsuba-ko, simple and powerful this was meant most likely for a wakizashi or as I suggested a toppei koshirae or something similar meant to have a low profile. Pure speculation of course but within the context of his time... -t

Thank you sir for taking the time to read it, Part one is on the Tsuba itself, part two is some twenty examples of his work including many from the catalog you mention. The exhibit was in 95 so I just happened to miss it but it clearly was a fantastic affair. A shame more of our "B" list swordmakers do not get the same treatment. I am surprised as well to hear about the poor kitae - from all that I have seen and read he had some real skills. Cheers, -t PS part two will be in a future issue of To-Ron, after it comes out I will add it to the website...

In answer to Mark's other question a quote from the To-Ron, newsletter of the Northern California Japanese Sword Club; "突兵拵　– Toppei Koshirae; In response to growing threats both internally and from the west, the Tokugawa Bakufu under French influence established the Rikugun-sho, or Ministry of War, in 1866. The students and curriculum of the Kobu-sho were absorbed at this time and became the Army training school. French instructors were employed to teach close order drill, artillery and European military science. A uniform based on the French model was employed and swords were required to be carried in a type of leather frog. Because of the particular shape of these leather frogs, scabbards were remade with thin pointed tapering kojiri that reminded the soldiers of a Toppei kabuto. The kurikata became a simple loop on a swivel, sometimes attached to the mune side of the saya, to allow for the sword to be worn in the redress position while in western uniform or through the obi in traditional style. Because these were employed when wearing pants, “zubon”, they are also sometimes referred to as Zubon-zashi and may be thought of as the last stage in the development of Samurai accoutrement as their world would soon disappear with the advent of the Restoration." If made for the Bakufu these items were naturally for the Tokugawa elite and were popular for a very short time indeed. Some are seen with simple locks like that later found on Gun-to koshirae. Mark - I wonder if you aren't confusing the dress and equipment of the regular infantry-man with the Toppei? Images from the Restoration wars and later rebellions show soldiers on both sides with rile and bayonet and often a wakizashi... -t

http://tinyurl.com/3btb5es I posted this already but got few comments. This tsuba came to my attention on this board almost a year ago, I have since enjoyed months of researching the maker, his home and history. At the time folks here disparaged this little piece because of the condition. It seems clear that I am an "artefact" and not art collector. if you have the time please review the article and I should love to hear what folks have to say about the tsuba a year further down the road... -t

Keith - It seems we are pretty much in agreement; The wakizashi was a battlefield development of the Muromachi period worn as a single side-arm or as part of a pair. During this time the two would not have been a matched pair its true and as you say in the Momoyama period is when we see the appearance of the daisho koshirae. For a member of the samurai class however any two blades could be his dai-sho, they did not have to have matching fittings or be made by the same smith. This idea only came about in the Momoyama and among those with the money to outfit a pair of swords, becoming widespread under the Tokugawa. The wakizashi of the Muromachi is a different animal from the Edo period shinogi-zukuri blade and the use of the two blades differed. Houses were much different in the Muromachi, I do not believe that indoor living had influence on the early development of these blades. Part of the problem I think is we have to distinguish Dai-sho swords, Dai-sho koshirae and dai-sho blades by a single maker. The practice of wearing two blades by members of the Buke I believe was common before the Momoyama when as a symbol of their status at the pinnacle of their class they commissioned dai-sho of the first quality... Momoyama scrolls show low-ranked samurai and foot soldiers wearing pairs of swords, while many mounted warriors wear a tanto as their second blade. I think it depended partially on rank and circumstance. -t

The broken bridges of a koto... -t

I think of it like this; When on horseback you need a sword long enough to reach a man on the ground, or a man on another horse 5 or 6 feet away. The sword cannot interfere with the action of your horse or the use of your bow. Therefore we see the unique curve of the tachi slung from the side. If you are unseated you need a dagger to attack the other rider inside his armour, not the armour itself. Once everyone starts running about on foot several things happen. The tachi is too long to draw quickly and you develop serious bruises with it slapping your legs as you run. So the long sword is shortened and thrust thru the belt, but wait you already have a tanto there. If you are on foot you are likely carrying a spear or halberd or a bow. If all you have as a side arm is a tanto you might feel a little naked, so the tanto grows more robust even as the sword is shrinking. If you are well equipped enough to carry two sidearms and you are entering battles with a thousand or more on a side would you carry a sword and a dagger or two swords of near equal length? As armies are increasingly made up of units, with standard kit and armour, more and more warriors are wearing the daisho as part of their basic outfit. With the growth of the great Daimyo and castle culture comes the need to distinguish the classes. Less fighting and more standing around on guard duty and other service in the castle means there is need for indoor and outdoor weapons/tactics (as has been noted). There is also now more opportunity for training in swordwork and for practice matches and duelling. It is at this time we see the development of the Kenjutsu Ryuha and Iai. By the time of the first Tokugawa Shogun the two swords and kamishimo were standard wear required for service in the castle, hence "Banzashi" or duty-wear. Look at the shapes of the wakizashi pre-1600 and I think you will see the answer is right in front of your eyes; these were made for fighting men (warrior, farmer or bandit) true we may not have written records showing that they HAD to wear two swords but as noted above, contemporary depictions of warfare show many men wore two swords... -t

Have you tried; 長州萩住 Chôshû Hagi jû...? Does not look like Choshu work but there were Goto copy-ists everywhere. FWIW -t and Tadamichi looks good to me...

Elliott et al - These same questions have been on my mind, i look forward to seeing you and Bob and talkin "Barbarian" in August. -t

Jon et al - Anyone interested in the Tampa Shinsa is free to contact me. Please visit my website for information. Jon, I will send you a PM -t