Shogun8

Eric, Some of the comments attributed to me in post #12 (last paragraph) were actually made by Jesper. John

Relatively speaking, there doesn't seem to be that much damaged lacing (if it's just the two broken strands that are shown in the pic). If it were mine, I could live with it. However, if it's going in for restoration anyway, then I would definitely get these fixed (I don't think the entire thing has to be re-laced, but as you rightfully say, better pics and in-person assessment is required).

Hi Mike, As has already been stated, this is a very good kabuto and the very fact that it is a quality piece from the Muromachi is quite rare. Some of the damage (such as cracks to the lacquer) can be acceptable depending upon your taste, sensibility and attitude towards conservation and restoration. Many conservative collectors may even choose to leave as is. For me, I agree with Ian - restore/replace the stencilled leathers and fix the haraidate (crest holder) and clean up the urushi. I don't think you have to spend a fortune on it and if you get it for a decent price, it will become even more saleable in the future if you do this work. Ultimately, it's a very nice kabuto from the Sengoku period that any collector would be happy to have in their collection. The menpo is also very nice but in terrible condition and would cost quite a bit to restore fully (and unlike the kabuto, this needs a full restoration - urushi, moustache, new tare). I would treat this almost as a throw-in when you negotiate with the owner. John

Love invisible odoshi. Very rare.

Very interesting - and makes total sense once one knows the answer! Could not for the life of me think of why the koshimaki was shaped that way...

Uwe, Do you have a pic of the armour? Rather than lead this thread off-track, perhaps you can create a thread in Katchu about this... John

Please let us know if this gets sorted because I would love to have a copy of these documents. John

Very interesting - thanks for sharing! John

Uwe, I didn't know Zenon also does polishing! John

Well done!

Good point about endangered species - the use of which I would not ever condone.

I like the idea of adding your own personal aesthetic touch. It sounds like it could be a very interesting, subtle and elegant touch to add the black seasnake to provide a contrasting texture to the gloss of the urushi. I often like to work with the restorer/craftsman to "personalize" items that are being restored, by employing unique colour combinations, finishes, etc.. Since armour is my primary interest, it's fun to specify odoshi patterns, urushi finishes, etc. when restoration is required - as long as one remains true to the piece and period in question by employing appropriate (traditional) techniques, materials and aesthetic cues. I'm sure these tenets hold true for nihonto as well.

Fascinating stuff, Peter! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the feedback and advice, gents!

Hello All, I would like to receive some thoughts from the more knowledgeable and experienced (meaning virtually every other NMB member!) members of the forum on this daisho set offered for sale on eBay. Quality, price, experience with seller, etc.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Katana-and-Wakizashi-Daisho-Set-Sakura-Motif-on-Saya-/222066821113?hash=item33b436c7f9:g:u1IAAOSwX~dWneIZ Thanks in advance. John

Nick, Can you clarify the colour of the tsukas - they appear to be brownish on my computer. John

Thanks for sharing, Peter.

Thanks Jean, Bazza and Kam!

As a noobie here, I've come to realize that most blades with koshirae are of sufficient quality to warrant having koshirae - most low to mid-level blades don't have koshirae. In other words, proper koshirae are custom made for the blade which means that the blade is worth it, correct? Put another way, what is the minimum value of a blade to warrant having koshirae made for it? It's not really "proper" to just buy koshirae separately because then you can't even mount the blade (because the koshirae wasn't made for that specific blade). Or, is it common to buy existing koshirae for a blade and then have it adjusted or altered so that the blade can be mounted with the fittings and scabbard? This is what I've been able to surmise, but tell me if I'm out to lunch on this...

Absolutely gorgeous work - thanks Ray and Arnold for the information and pics. Does Brian have a website?

Incredible work. Please forgive the noob question (and my ignorance if this is bad form), but what might be the price range of such commission work (particularly #3)?

Wasn't trying to be facetious, Stephen - if the use of the word fallow were intentional, it would've been a very appropriate pun!

I should also mention that menpo such as these from Nara were produced in vast quantities of almost identical design which is probably why it was possible to find a nosepiece that is not a bad fit (aside from the different colour and urushi treatment and the fact that the wrinkles on the cheek should continue onto the flanges of the nosepiece).

Hi Javier, The kabuto is a fairly typical suji kabuto of goshozan (or "high-sided" shape) likely from the Haruta school (Andy - an akoda nari is very distinctive in its shape, with much more swelling at the rear of the hachi and a very pronounced dip around the tehen). The menpo is also a quite common Nara ressei men ("fierce expression"), with - as Andy has already said - a nosepiece which does not belong to this mask (as can be seen by the differing colour and texture of the urushi, amongst other signs). John

Hi Grey, My question(s) were really in relation to the Hozon papers that I have for my swords (but I think you've answered my underlying question with your comment "it pays to know who you are dealing with"). I certainly wasn't questioning the sword or papers that are the subject of this thread. John