Pete Klein

AND - please let us not forget that this usually takes YEARS to accomplish.

PS:

"It amazes me that museums will sell off their blades, but I've seen it done several times, here in Hawaii, in Arizona, & in Wyoming. I wonder if these sales may be related to today's knee-jerk reaction to weapons, in general. I asked the curator of our local museum, but he refused to answer me, which I guess is an answer, in itself". So, Ken -- would you really like to know the answer to you question? Well, to put it simply, it's because museums are not run by men who might/would see the value of swords, armor etc. but by 'very' rich women, who sit on the boards of said museums and create the funding for said museums - who do not. If you doubt me, look at any exhibit being funded by a married couple and you will see the wife's name first. The Met can get away with a sword/armor exhibit because they have a long standing armor and arms club which is the wives way of placating 'hubby'. All of this has nothing to do with cultural, historic or artistic preservation and only to do with their own 'social standing' and hierarchy. Trust me, they care not a whit about Nihonto but will swoon at the sight of some piece of trash which is only important because their lap dog, sycophant dealers insssist they are (yes, with three s'sss), and of course that will increase their position forward at the table! Now then, this is not to say that all women feel this way and there are some who truly appreciate these fields and we all love and appreciate them for it but in the greater picture, they are a small minority. So, the next time you see a museum deaccession their Nihonto or other armor related items, you know where the funding came from for the latest 'acquisition'.

Brian - the problem is that it is not vetted so there may be gimei examples included. I choose not to take that chance.

"Next step would be to hit Wakayama". If you are attempting to verify mei then you would be looking for, Toso Kodogu Meiji Taikei' three book set. It helps to have the three book, 'Haynes Index' set as well which is in English to find the maker information and corresponding page information. These sets are vital for anyone who is intent on purchasing zaimei fittings (signed fittings) without current origami. There is another meikan called, 'Shinsen Kinko Meikan' which is also referenced in Haynes Index but is 'very' difficult to find. It is the edited/updated version of the original 'Kinko Meikan' which had to be updated due to inclusion of what were felt to be gimei examples. These two are the main reference meikan which are utilized by the shinsa teams in Japan.

CC - Looks like that to me and they are in Wakayama. That group used kuchibeni as with this one (bottom one is obviously lost but you can tell by the outline).

Thanks Grey.

Has anyone heard if the Tampa 2020 Token Kai has been scheduled? Thanks.

Personally, I prefer this bent: Many (too many) years ago a collector of fittings and chadogu explained his concept of how 'boxed' items should be appreciated. "Opening the enclosures is just as disrobing a most beautiful woman. It is done gently, yet deliberately, advancing ever so hesitantly whilst proceeding from layer to layer, appreciating each as the beauty assuredly unfolds until you finally arrive at your destination". I have always taken this advice to heart in my own ways.

Jean - I would like to purchase #06. #6 This is a list of all the provinces of Japan. It has been published in a book or two, it is an uncommon and popular tsuba. €450

OK -- that's a cutie!!!

Very nice. Probably paper to 'Yoshiro'. Edo shoki (early Edo) as you mentioned.

That translation was privately funded by a small group of collectors and was not intended for general publication or reproduction. The people who ordered it signed off on this. Where it goes from here only the kami can decide.

POA...

When you receive it perhaps you could post the diameter then? Thanks.

Robert - what is the diameter of the tsuba please?

Ford - that is quite pleasant!

Well, sometimes they go hand in hand...

A pic/scan of the paper would be helpful as well.

Brian - I was speaking 'historically', not in reference to this thread. I guess this is what happens when you dictate to a rabbit...

Since Elwood passed Harvey's been living with me, or could you tell without my mentioning it? PS: it's really quite amazing how well he can type...

I find it somewhat disconcerting that apparently no one paid the least bit of attention to what he wrote.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/Japan-global-sports/rugby-world-cup-2019/schedule/ That same weekend is the final of the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo/Yokohama which might cause issues including hotel availability.