Chishiki

Thanks Piers. I really appreciate your compliment because I know you are in the front and centre of this art. It was such a good vibe and moment in our collecting journey.

Yesterday, the Japanese Consul General officially opened our display of samurai art here in Melbourne, at the Box Hill RSL. It was a special event, having it attended by a Japanese Government representative was great. The RSL really have done a fantastic job hosting our display.

Thanks heaps for the compliment. We are very conscious that most of people viewing have zero knowledge so we try to choose pieces that anyone can look at and admire. The masataka koshirae is one of those pieces everyone can enjoy and that hamon can be seen from 2 metres away. Colin put that in at my special request....again. In 3 or 4 months it will make way for something else. 🤔

Hi. I'll share more photos soon. Some very nice items are on display. Mark

Thanks Brian. We are really proud of what we do. It's great to get such positive feedback from members of the public and members here on the forum. Thanks again for your support. Mark

Hi, nice of you for asking so politely. This organisation came about many years ago as a consequence of the Victorian Government introducing legislation that would make swords prohibited weapons and problematic for bona fide collectors. A considerable amount of work went into a submission to the government covering Japanese Art Swords and why they are important culturally and as Art. As a result our Society was formed and written into legislation as an exempt body. That's it in a nutshell. Mark

Hi. Today, we completed the installation of a display here in Melbourne. It's a nice display, worth visiting. The venue, Box Hill RSL, is quite large with restaurant, cafe, bar, and is very busy. We have displayed a good cross section of samurai art. The backbone of thr display is Colin McDonald and kudos to him. It will run for about 1 year, with most items being changed every four months. I'll post more details over time. If you'd like to know more please message me. Mark

Hi. We have installed a display of wood blocks, netsuke, okimono and inro at the Japanese Consulate, Melbourne. It will be in place until mid January. Public are welcome to view.

The final day was excellent, very well attended by the public and collector community. Displayed were antiques and art from across Asia. The Japanese Samurai pieces stirred a lot of enthusiastic questioning and discussions. Talks by organisers and contributors were followed by a tea ceremony. Looking forward to our next event where we can share our collections with the public. Stay tuned. 😉

It would be great if you offer to sell here, or keep us posted when the auction is happening. Mark

News Flash. A shot term display, 4 days only. Thursday the 3rd through to Sunday (inclusive). A selection of quality sword fittings, lacquer and kabuto. At the following location :- ARTVISORY GALLERY 31O Toorak Road, South Yarra. Melbourne. If you are in Melbourne it's worth the effort. Here is the online catalogue. Samurai items start at number 72. https://issuu.com/ar..._and_creation_online Mark

Thanks for all your help Piers. Great info. Much appreciated.

⁰ This piece is at a friend's house at the moment so I don't have access to more photos for a few days. I'm not sure if you can see it but he is leaning over and looking at some being/mystical figure in the waves. It's a really nice, well made piece and at first glance it does appear lacquer but it is soft metal. I've been searching around on the internet and it's hard to find examples of his work. Anyway, once I get it back I'll share better photos. Mark

Hi Piers. Yes it is quite weighty. Are you reasonably confident about reading the mei as ,,'Tenmin'? Thanks so much for your input. Much appreciated. Mark

Thank you.

Hi folks. Piers it is all metal work, no lacquer, although at first glance it does appear so. It has shibuichi end caps and is one compartment inside that slides out. I'll get some better pics when I can. Thanks for your help so far.

Hi. I have this tobacco case (tonkotsu) that I need help with. Thanks in advance. Mark

Hi Peter. Thanks for the compliment. Colin set the standard and style of display at the very beginning and we have kept true to that formula. We do aim for a real Japanese vibe and are proud of every display we do. Mark

Hi Curran. Nice! We have keen collector of archery themed kodogu in our group who also has a significant collection of yanone. Mark

Hi. Another installation at the Japanese Consulate Melbourne. Free entry. Check their website for address and hours. This display will run for the next few months. We note that the katana koshirae is displayed with the 'tsuka up', but done this way so people can easily see details Regards Mark.

Today we installed a another display at the Japanese Consulate here in Melbourne. This consists of Edo Period archery and other samurai artefacts. The display is in partnership with the Melbourne Kyudo Kai who are showcasing contemporary archery equipment. It will end on 31st of October. Local collectors are welcome to attend. Please check their website for address and opening hours. Mark

Hi. I have an early hachi that I believe is signed 'katsumasa' saku. Circa 1530's. There are some variables with katsu kanji in text compared to the hachi. There is quite a bit of degradation due to rust. I think it's a credible 'katsu' kanji with variation. Does anyone have any other way to read it? Thanks. Mark

The news letter is good and great to hear you are heading to the US. I'm sure the locals will look after you well because you are appreciated.

There may be some connection to this thread. Mark

A really nicely written Eulogy. Such a big influence in your life. Gone but not forgotten. Mark