Toryu2020

Looks pretty good Guido, Do you use a stylus or your finger to write your entries?

Thanks - Checked out the webpage may have to try the trial version. -t

Dear all, A bit tired of fumbling around on my own so thought I would ask for yall's help. I am looking for any ideas on the following; 1. A good electronic JE dictionary for the Mac that can "learn" - new kanji can be added, new readings taught, and archaic and little used combinations added. 2. a good electronic JE dictionary for the iPad - thinking of buying Nelson's but wonder has anybody seen better? 3. A word processing software that will generate charts and family trees with JE included - vertical and horizontal text. 4 any sword books or history apps for the iPad that you cannot live without like the Sengoku Busho Dictionary etc... Any help appreciated, -t

So does any member know of a good program that will allow you to create clean geneological charts, with English and Japanese like the family trees we see in the Japanese references? -t

It says in Japanese; Ma Chi Ho Ku Se (マチホク世) If it is Chinese they are now copying Katakana which I find odd. No idea what this could mean BTW... -t

Tsuneishi Hideaki writes in 1986; 政次 Masatsugu stu of Yokoya Soyo founder of the Yanagawa line 直政 Naomasa Shodai stu of Somin 直故 Naohisa Nidai - died young 直俊 Naotoshi (Yamada) 直光 Naomitsu Sandai - adopted son 直隆 Naotaka (Yamamoto) 直重 Naoshige (Inegawa Shodai) 直克 Naokatsu (Inegawa Nidai) 直久 Naohisa (Inubushi) 直次 Naotsugu (Kiyonaga) 直利 Naotoshi (Morikawa) 直矩 Naonori (Nakamura) 直俊 Naotoshi (Yanagawa) 直常 Naotsune (Kato) This is from the chart on pages 139 and 140 he gives more detail in the individual listings for each artist. The chart also includes the Naohisa, Naomitsu, Naonori and Naotsune lines. I don't know fittings so well but can say that his books on swords are spot on, very helpful kantei hints and always including info not found in other works. I really like this writer and I recommend you try to get this book it is not at all rare. -t

Making no comment on the tsuba or the poster, I just love the idea of "Kane-ie versus Gime-ie" :D -t

Ludolf- I wonder if you have seen the excellent genealogies in the Tsuba no Kantei to Kansho by Tsuneishi? My scanner is not working but if you like I could type it out, very different from what you have posted BTW... -t

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...