Gotoba Tenno, extant works?

[undermilkwood]

Another general question to the group.

 

Does anyone know if any of the emperor Gotoba's swords exist today? I came across one of his tanka today:

 

Hito mo oshi

Hito mo urameshi

Ajiki-naku

Yo wo omou yue ni.

Mono omou mi wa.

 

How I regret my fallen friends

How I despise my foes!

And, tired of life, I only seek

To reach my long day's close,

And gain at last repose.

 

He struck me as a really interesting character and I'd be interested to see some of his work. I have searched extensively for examples online and going through my small library but to no avail. If anyone could help that would be grand :D

[paulb]

A sword supposedly by him is being sold in the forthcoming Christies Sale next week.

[Jacques D.]

Hi,

 

Yes there are some extent swords

 

 

Imperial house collection

[undermilkwood]

Hi Paul,

 

Just read your post on the Christies/Bonhams sale. I want to go but I don't think I'll be able to get there in time

Do you know which sword it is on the site? I've been looking but haven't seen it in the listings.

 

Thanks Jaques for the pic, if anyone has any other info or pictures that would be great.

 

All the best guys!

 

Joe.

[paulb]

Hi Joe,

It is lot 227. It wasnt one I went to see but from the illustration on the catalogue it looks to be a good sword. It sold in 1992 in the compton sale for $30k so the estimate of £20-£25 is probably not too far off the mark.

There has always been considerable debate about Gotobas participation in making blades. Some suggest he carried out or assited in the quenching process others that he played a greater part in the forging. I guess no one will ever know.

If you can get to see the swords at Chrisites it would be worth the trip. You dont see many Tokubetsu Juyo (or Juyo come to that) in the UK so if nothing else it is a great learning experience.

The only down side is you (I) come away lusting for things I will never be able to afford!!

cheers

Paul

[undermilkwood]

Cheers Paul, I'll have a look. Big storm where we are, I'm supposed to be going out tonight

 

Never say never, you might find an out of polish Kiyomaro in a car boot sale in the near future. We can but dream.

 

All the best, Joe.

[Jacques D.]

hi,

 

some info on Goban kaji (don't forget the 3 blue links at he bottom of the page).

 

http://www.sho-shin.com/6th-son.htm

[undermilkwood]

Thanks Jaques, I had already checked on Shoshin, but I can't seem to pin down any decent pictures or oshigata :?

 

Best Wishes, Joe