Matsunoki

So what actually is this utsuri like effect? In what way is it not the same? Method of production (there seems to be several), metallurgical structure? Be good to know what looks like utsuri but isn’t. @COD has the benefit of having the blade in hand vs working from images….plus he saw the smith at work. In what way is koto utsuri higher quality? Does it improve flexion tolerance? Does it improve cutting? Does it improve longevity. Observing this interesting topic (as a real novice) it seems we have very few hard facts but a great many opinions.

Why not replace the childish sarcasm with constructive explanation if you know the answer?

Not to my knowledge unless it was sold quietly without hitting the open market. Anyone ????

I’ve had a couple of blades with distinct utsuri but it looked more like nioi……misty white rather than discernible particles. One was a large shinshinto Kinnoto style blade. Looking forward to seeing how this topic develops.

To expand the question just a wee bit (with apologies) exactly what is utsuri metallurgically speaking? I know what it looks like, I’ve read what it is visually described as, I know it can be tricky for a togishi to reveal but what is it? I also have a vague memory of reading that it was created by subtle variation in the depth and composition of the clay based coating prior to hardening……not sure if that was fact or opinion.

It is also suggesting the kozuka/kogatana was a throwing knife?…..because the balance is all wrong for that surely?

That depends on how you use it and how vigorous you are….it isn’t harsh.

I have used this product in the past on both bronze and copper with some amazing results. Great patience and care is needed…..all the usual toothpicks etc etc. I used to place items in a bath of it to start with and then work slowly. Haven’t used it lately (it went out of production but is back now) but from memory it also leaves a protective coating. https://verdi.care/?srsltid=AfmBOopfmM98iXEsjHu4UW_hFPrZ4Jq44pagEBJpCCIZjs6uU-FWXg5q

If the saya were mine I’d leave it alone. It would be a very tricky repair and could end up looking worse depending on who did it. It’s pretty common for old saya to split and distort in various ways. The blade is safe in its shirasaya.

Can you get to any of the amazing USA sword shows?…it’d be like all your birthdays came at once. Also is there a local sword club or society where you can gain experience and see things that are available with the massive advantage of actually handling them first?

Well, great decision to come here first. We do see a lot of over eager first timers arrive here with their first treasure only to be hugely disappointed when they find out what they have bought. The sword in the images does not appear to be fake. It looks like an old blade that has been heavily shortened and is in poor condition…..it could be a total write-off…..impossible to tell. Somewhere on this forum is a great thread dealing with fakes. Can’t remember what its title is but I’ll have a look. Doubtless someone else @Brian @Scogg can quickly direct you there.

No offence intended but how much experience do you have in examining and handling Nihonto? Most of us in here would advise that you acquire a good basic knowledge before buying anything unless you absolutely know and trust the vendor. Personally I would not buy this sword based on these images. The blade looks out of polish to the extent that you can’t even be sure it has a hamon or boshi. Other nasty problems might be lying in wait…..there are numerous flaws and issues that can spring unwelcome surprises.

They are a decent auctioneer. I’d suggest pointing out it is a more modern Chinese fake and show them the comments you have received on here. See what they say. It definitely isn’t early 20thC.

Where did you buy it? Which auctioneer?

Numbers Include buyers premium etc. ie it is what someone actually paid. What the vendor receives however is a whole different ballgame.

Roughly 50% of swords sold. A bit erratic but then I’m no expert! Looking quickly it seemed that swords with koshirae fared a bit better (but more detailed analysis required) Armour was not popular although Kabuto sold well Kake very popular Kinko fittings did ok Guns sold well

Welcome back Alex. Good to hear from you. C.

I love stories told like this. Can’t help with the Mei - but well done.

….autumn maples by Yabu Meizan https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/355854/a-Japanese-satsuma-baluster-vase-by-yabu-meizan

Hi David, your bowl is indeed “Satsuma” pottery (not porcelain as many think). It is very late Meiji, possibly Taisho and was manufactured in some quantity for the export market. The crackle glazing is deliberate. The use of autumn maples in overglaze decoration is a direct crib from the late works of the highly rated artist Yabu Meizan who utilised them in greatly simplified (and thus cheaper!) works later in his production. However I think you may have get the signature wrong….I believe it is Kozan (see attached image). There were several studios using the signature Kozan so not possible to be more precise. It would be the work of a small “factory” rather than by a single known artist. Best. Colin

Great to see you back Dale.

My incredibly tolerant wife has accepted all manner of “stuff” entering our abode over 40+ years but has definitely and consistently drawn the line at Samurai armour which is a great shame because I’d love a suit “to frighten off intruders”…..but she still won’t buy that as a reason. Any tips? 🙂 (I did get away with couple of Kabuto but they’ve found a new home recently)

I do believe so but this seller is usually trustworthy….I’m not accusing him of anything but yes Justin, you’ve got a point there, well spotted. But could be that the nakago ana has simply been enlarged…..it does look that way especially at the mune end.

A papered example!!! https://www.ebay.com/itm/276913371769?itmmeta=01JPHAMPW3RX3QWHTF3649PFKY&hash=item407952ba79:g:IJYAAOSwb1FnxAju

Just to illustrate why I tried to explain re Nagoya mono……..Someone is going to get caught. It is not shakudo, it is in terrible condition and it was not good to start with!! https://www.ebay.com/itm/276913371769?itmmeta=01JPHAMPW3RX3QWHTF3649PFKY&hash=item407952ba79:g:IJYAAOSwb1FnxAju