Nihonto Collections In The Uk

[Robunder]

Hi everyone.

I am a new collector and wondering if anyone could suggest any good collections on public display in the south east of the uk.thanks.

Rob hunt

[paulb]

Hi Rob

check out the Token of GB website and the report of the event held at Chiddingstone castle. I know they have recently updated their exhibition so some of the exhibits may have changed but the collection is worth a visit.

regards

Paul

[Robunder]

Thanks very much paul will do.Rob hunt

[Robunder]

The castle collection looks interesting and its not too far.I think I saw it on one of those antique road trip type shows recently.wonder if the Mrs will fancy a mystery trip to the country this summer lol.

[Shugyosha]

Often the British Museum and the V&A have Japanese stuff on show but the exhibits do change so it would be worth finding out what's on at any given moment before you go.

 

Also there is the London Antique Arms Fair. It's fairly general but there are normally two or three tables with Japanese swords on them: Peter Yorke is usually there and the Token Society sometimes have a table. 

 

http://www.antiquearmsfairsltd.co.uk/

[Barrie B]

I was going to suggest the V&A as well. When I went (quite a while ago now) they had a great collection of Tsuba and Koshirae on display. Unfortunately the British museum had rotated their Nihonto collection out for Asian pottery in the Asian section - when I was in London.. Still worth a look though for the other items.

 

Barrie.

[paulb]

Although the British Museums Japanese room does currently only have a limited selection of swords on show, one of them is a Shintogo Kunimitsu tanto which I have to say is probably justification for the visit on its own

It is also probably the most understated labels I have ever seen. Rather than saying this is a beautful work by one of the finest ,makers of all time it simply states (paraphrased) "Japanese short sword Tanto made in the 13th century by Kunimitsu"

[Bugyotsuji]

The Japan Rooms also had a Yosozaemon no Jo Sukesada katana on display when I went last went. Minimalistic perhaps describes their exhibition. A little bit of everything.

[Kronos]

I said the same thing in another thread recently Paul, I think I'm going to have to pay another trip sometime this year as I believe I can appreciate it much more now (not that I didn't last I went).

[Robunder]

Thanks for the info guys as a novice this is how I get to learn.my list of summer trips grows daily.

Thanks Rob

[Bugyotsuji]

Get to a Token meeting if you can. There are a couple of Nihonto displayed in the Tower of London, and a good Japanese section up north in the Leeds Royal Armouries, both places well worth a day trip.

[Robunder]

I was thinking of Leeds I'm up north quite regularly.Thanks

Rob hunt

[paulb]

Rob

I have sent you a pm with some additional suggestions

regards

Paul

[IanB]

Rob,  As a Curator Emeritus of the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, and former curator of the oriental collection, let me know when you are coming north and I will try an arrange to meet and show you around. The Museum has 87 swords of varying quality from Juyo downwards. There are also several very important armours and a good selection of other Japanese weapons.

Ian Bottomley

[Brian]

:clap:

 

I had better make it over there myself sometime.

 

wow...over 10,000 posts. Is that where my life went?

[Geraint]

Rob,

If you do nothing else take Ian up on his offer.  You will learn more in a day than you will in any other way in the UK.  If your travel ever takes you down to the far south west let me know.

 

All the best.

[Robunder]

Hi Paul thanks ill have a think about that and get back to you.

Rob

[Robunder]

Dear Ian

That is an amazing offer.I will definitely be taking you up on it soon.lunch is on me.thanks.

Rob

[Robunder]

Rob,

If you do nothing else take Ian up on his offer.  You will learn more in a day than you will in any other way in the UK.  If your travel ever takes you down to the far south west let me know.

 

All the best.

I will Geraint thanks for your offer.

Rob hunt