Winchester

I think it is really cool, Stephen. Nice catch and good eye. Just love it when we can appreciate the beauty; it stands on its' own.

Pine needles symbolize friendship.

I am a total novice, been studying for a couple years only… my impression (probably worth the admission price) is that the hole is related to Buddhism and signifies the moon and pertaining to one’s enlightenment. Feel free to burn or flame me, it’s all good. But my feeling is that this subtlety was to be both peaceful and aspirational. Edit To Add: As long as I am speculating…Bazza you mentioned the placement of the hole being a question….it is my limited understanding that this reflects the time period (earlier or later) depending on location (left or right side) given use.

It was a pleasant surprise to receive via email--been so busy, I forgot I signed up a couple weeks ago. Thank you!!! Great read and service to collectors.

That's really cool, Mark. Thank you for sharing.

It’s really hard for me to tell with one small group photo and magnifying…but you may also have 1-2 WW2 theatre knives and some sort of Scandinavian knife. Shocked this was all $25.00! Heck, even that old hunter knife is $60.00.

I think one of the dealers here, St. Croix Blades has some in this price point. Grey periodically does as well; this suggestion helps ensure that you are getting an authentic nihonto. Mark is correct that you would need some additional qualifiers for us to help. As a newer collector, I understand it is a lot to take in because it really is a journey and not a sprint—learning, appreciating and being moved by this art. But if you just want to scratch the itch so to speak, I understand. Do you just want something authentic or do you have areas of interest? Then we can give better feedback.

The link isn't working for me either, but I believe I read this in April if it is the one from/hosted by Harvard. The author reached out to well-known collectors and others to help formulate an opinion and commentary. I wouldn't dismiss it, but it is certainly not comprehensive nor likely intended to be. Good introductory read I thought. YMMV

Hi Sam, Hope all is well. I am a newer collector as well, but my thoughts may be relevant in this instance. If you have interest in something like this and it has been sitting for a while, please don't 'feel bad' to make an offer. Something is worth what someone is willing to pay and time plays a factor on inventory of any kind...'bird in the hand, worth two in the bush'. Be it this antique store or the set online that Brian shared, I'd reach out and make an offer if interested. It can be good for both the seller (free up cash) and the buyer (get a better value). I'd be a gentlemen about it (not offer $250.00 or something) but on your first post, offer $900.00 cash and see where it goes? Something is amiss with the marketing of these, how many people are going to randomly walk in and want to buy this, know what it is, and pay retail?

Here is a free resource I came across and light reading when on flights for business, which may be of interest: Library University of Illinois on Japanese Sword Mounts and Meanings Hope and trust this may be of interest and helps.

This commentary probably does not help; however, when will you find another one? If this is something you have really wanted and it brings you joy...it moves you...then go for it...and don't look back.

While I am not an expert, of the several items that you listed, the one I would focus in on is the robe. It MAY be Imperial and could be Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese or other. I recognize the style and design, but cannot give you much more information than that (and I am only looking at a photo). It would be best to contact a large auction house or museum for more information. Sometimes called 'dragon robes'. No one could wear the design outside of the ruler. It probably goes without saying that IF it were to be authentic and imperial, you are talking big $$$$. Good luck.

Friends, does anyone know if shinsa will be present next year in 2024? Unfortunately, I had other obligations and could not attend this year. Then I have another wedding to go to during the SF show....!!!!

I am a newer collector so please take my opinion with 'a grain of salt' or maybe a few grains. I have been studying fittings daily for about 6-7 months as I am trying to better understand more about this. The gold menuki is a sub-category I have been reading about and enjoying. There are probably no maxims or universal truths but here are my thoughts in descending order. -Take to a jeweler to see if they have the equipment to render an expert opinion; -I have seen many examples which chikaragane are gold; examples have been papered; -I think Brian made a very relevant point; that is, what percentage? I THINK one of the challenges is that there doesn't appear to be a standard gold content and it would mostly be mixed with silver. They may be 'solid gold' but is it 9kt, 14kt, 18kt? I believe this is one of the challenges in determining without testing or grading it--and with these variables--why it is a challenge to render an opinion. -ALL purported or papered 'solid gold' menuki I have seen have a quality level (so-to-speak) that may take a minute to recognize or distinguish, but the quality will or should be present. Just my opinion and hopefully worth the admission price.

For clarification purposes: Link for Northern California Club I still have to join and feel bad that I been busy and have not had a chance to...yet! I am in the same 'boat' as you are OP and trying my best reading, learning, but speaking for myself, I know joining this group is way overdue. *Fixed it* Will be mailing the check tomorrow.

The subtle details are just lovely. Thank you for sharing and trust this will go to a good home.

Just a guess, is the subject 'waves'? I suppose I could also be seeing things...

I contacted the seller, borrowing from Brian's post, asking would they guarantee it would get papers if resubmitted. A few days went by and they responded back that the papers with it are authentic. That of course was not my question. I have purchased from this seller before and had a good experience. Think I will let it sit for a while and think about it.

Dimitri, Thank you for asking and for the help everyone. I am also a newer collector, reading a lot but it is a journey. As a result, I never heard of the background on these 'green papers' prior to the post and thank you for asking more questions.

Just stumbled across this one...seems in decent shape. Thoughts? Ebay Listing

Hi Piers, Thank you for letting me know. I’ll keep studying and learning. Appreciate your help and hopefully this is a learning opportunity for the next person.

I was limited due to file size but here are a few more; again, I am sorry my phone does not pick up all the refinement or details.

I believe this is a higher-end netsuke and I am sorry the pictures truly do not do it justice. Can someone please help translate the signature? it is finely carved, very nice patina which doesn’t show well in the photos, and has a lot of detail and refinement in my opinion. I am a newer collector so if I am mistaken on the quality or another detail please forgive me, I am reading books and studying daily. Thank you for your help and any opinions outside of the signature as well.

I have been having the same question, thank you for your timely post. I hope this note more contributes to the discussion than be a digression, OP. This is something I am questioning: https://www.ebay.com/itm/155577992487?hash=item24392bc527:g:37IAAOSwijVkZkHo&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4FFCLK75YTNmmcdq08OedRY3ekfaognjmf3N96WxD60nNDNbLlZOafFcvj%2BkTvWalIvGooQBfMdlL2289gJZOkJg8G1bvG9X30waYinmK71FBPK11jflc0NLMfpJF8f50J5C17lHrpSHo1autHWBI1cVInb0LPdeocsng9Yw3AayXwmiZflnezQ%2FTJNPYy%2Bebe%2BbG4SJev9YUYbv1agxc46qmhD38VqMHQ3A6BA4GVW3id4jAU2X9ahRcabPKCIXETG1cAZUozWkYI5DBUrznkI9Sf2Og8BAZ9gLzPBk5Yop|tkp%3ABk9SR7al87aOYg Ebay Listing for Armor Thank you in advance for any feedback that we can all learn from.

Received my two dragon stands today in the mail. Awesome! Great design and exceptional customer service from Darren. Great communication, excellent packaging and arrived very quickly, especially given that these are made-to-order. Buy with confidence, friends.