Nbthk-Eb Meeting Report - Bonn - July 4Th

[DirkO]

Though in the middle of a heat wave, the meeting was well attended with 17 members. Mr. Eschbaum has started the meeting with a short introduction. The meeting continued with kantei part.

 

The following two blades were provided for the kantei:

1.  Tanto by Rai Kunitsugu (NBTHK Tokubetsu Juyo).It is fantastic, signed and absolutely typical work from Kamakura Rai. The blade is in sunobi style with no sori and over 1 shaku. The steel has very nice “wet” look. Rai Kunitsugu was younger brother of Rai Kunimitsu and one of the students of Masamune. The sword comes from Ōkubo family collection and has old Honami papers from year 1660.

 

2. Katana by Echizen Yasutsugu 1^st generation (NBTHK Tokubetsu Juyo)
The blade is typical for Yasutsugu and done in Keicho Shinto form. It was forged with (at least some) namban tetsu steel. The hada of the sword shows typical dark Echizen-gane.

 

 

The kantei was discussed by Mr. Eschbaum. A lively discussion on Echizen steel and on origins, quality and quality of namban tetsu steel used for forging of Japanese swords followed resolution of the kantei.

 

The second part of the meeting was dedicated to Hira-Zogan inlay of Kaga and Umetada schools. Mr. Peuker and Mr. Eschbaum have started it with introduction into hira-zogan and history of Kaga school. The survey was illustrated by outstanding works from early Kaga school as well as pieces from the fist and the third generations of the Kuwamura branch of the school. From Kaga school the discussion went to Umetada school. In the account Mr. Eschbaum has drawn a comparison between Umetada, Higo and Matashishi zogan as well as discussed in detail differences between zogan of Umetada and Kaga schools. Umetada zogan usually stands somewhat out from the surface comparing to Kaga works. Between representative pieces selected from Umetada school a tsuba by Umetada Shigemitsu with an Obi motive (around 1640-1650) has provided a finest example of kodôgu making.

Works of some excellent artists, who worked in Kaga style, completed the presentation, among others: a tsuba by Takase Eiju (Mito school) depicting cherry blossom in the morning mist, a later piece from Washida Mitsunaka of Shonai school in the style of Kaga Yoshiro and an extreme fine tsuba by Murakami Jochiku with depiction of snow on bamboo.

[CSM101]

Just a short reminder, what you did miss! 

 

 

Uwe G.

[Brian]

Sounds like European collectors have a serious and very useful society there, and one they should take advantage of. Thanks for keeping us updated.

 

Brian

[paulb]

I am still dreaming about the swords and tsuba seen at that meeting. I have not seen a better Shinto blade than the Yasutsugu anywhere. The Rai Kunitsugu was outstanding and compared favourably to the Rai blades I saw in Japan last year, it was incredible

[Bugyotsuji]

Thank you for the write-up, which I enjoyed. Nice material for kantei! Your enthusiasm comes across clearly!

[Kronos]

The most impressive Shinto sword I've seen was a toku-juyo Yasutsugu as well on a Japanese dealers site last year, maybe it was the same if anyone had a photo of this one?

 

It had a magnificent O-hada with a gentle notare-midare hamon that was in perfect harmony.