Grevedk

Congratulations to you Jesta for bidding and winning a fine tsuba. And thank you Marius for a great initiative in securing funding for a great forum - including all Brian’s administrative work and hassle in keeping us all happy and aligned 😜 A small side donation has been made to the NMB from my side as recognition of that work. Thank you Brian 👏🏻 /Soeren

Good form Marius - I raise the bid up to 60$ 😎 /Soren

Hi Jonathan, I have a very nice and well crafted wakizashi that is made by the 3rd generation Yukinaga (Bungo Takada school). A very fine smith. I have included the family tree as a pdf file below should it have your interest as well as some pictures of his work. Would love to see pictures of your acquisition. /Soeren kaimotogenealogy.pdf

Hi Stefan, It hurts to see that someone hasn’t already grabbed this beautiful sword and Koshira. Everything is there - in text and pictures. I really hope that this world will find its feet again soon - so that free international and hassle free trade between countries can resume, and that we all again can find the trust in our economy to spend some money again on hobbies like collecting Nihonto. All the best /Soeren

Evening John, I think it’s very safe to say that the tsuba with the “animals” is a very crude replica. Not one to own unless you need some private “horror” in your home. The other one (top picture) could both be either legit Nihonto or a used but okay made replica. Looks as if it’s been mounted at some point. Shows red (active) rust, some wear and a rather tired patina. I wouldn’t consider that either…. All the best. /Soeren

A wildcat with stripes in a groove of bamboo - does that count as a “wild thing” 😜 /Soeren

Evening Dee, First of all - thank you for posting your newest acquisitions. It’s always nice to follow other collectors taste and finds, as well as getting the opportunity to guess on maker, school, design and meaning. I have no idea who made this one. But as Justyn and Brian have stated - a heavy, solid and “a no nonsens” piece of work in its own measure and elegance. Personally I believe that some (if not most) tsuba served several functions, one of which included the function of balancing of the sword. Maybe not a critical function for a wealthy merchant in peacetime but a critical one for a warrior in times of war and unrest. Your tsuba radiate this feeling for me. Several famous sword smith's (e.g. Ikeda Kazuhide) also made tsuba with a similar look, texture and design as yours. So - authentic, made for a purpose (my assumption) and rather cool looking 😎👍 A good place to find information and to compare an acquisition: https://shibuiswords.com/tsuba.htm And - keep posting. All the best / Soeren

Wild and possibly very uneducated guess - Terukane. Happy Christmas to all. /Soeren

Evening Pierre, I believe it was @JakeNYC who had it on sale. Best regards Soren

A few “non native” plants and flowers currently living in Denmark 🌿🍀 /Soren

@k morita @Nobody, Thank you both for your time and effort - that is much appreciated. “Domo arigato” 😎👍 All the best Soren

Dear NMB translators, Once again I’m in need of your knowledge and expertise. I have just received the following pictures (mobile phone) from a friend who asked for help in regard to translating the Mei. I believe it’s in Caoshu or “grass script” which I’m completely unable to decipher. It also has a golden seal “Kinin” which I haven’t seen before. The Tsuba is an heirloom from his father, and has been in the family’s possession for at least 30-40 years. It looks to be either tanto (maybe even for a Yo-roi Doshi blade) or wakizashi size. Unfortunately I do not have the dimensions at the moment. If anyone has the ability to either decipher the Mei or the seal (or both) from the provided pictures, I would be grateful. /Soren

What a great idea to dedicate a place in which to view and admire some of his works. I believe quite a few members have his works in their collections. And - that might be a treat to see if it were to happen. There are many extremely learned and skilled people who over time has dedicated themselves to this art - but not many can match his skills, his willingness to share his knowledge and ability to qualify his feedback. I will truly miss that….

Evening all, Should anyone have an interest in knowing the end sale of those items as a reference. Described by the auction house as being from the Edo - Meiji period. Then the above mentioned items were all sold today, Monday 12th., at the Danish auction house Bruun-Rasmussen (part of Bonhams). Final price DKR 6000,- (around 850$) before fees and shipping expenses. Total will probably end around 1200$. /Soren

Evening Dale, A truly impressive work and retirement effort - and seen as a collective it could really be viewed as a true “World Heritage Tsuba Appendix” 👏🏻 Thank you 😎👍 All the best /Soren