Koshirae

[myamoto]

Hi All,

 

Can someone point me into directions of a koshirae maker in Japan

I have ordered a Shinsakuto which will be ready in 2010 now i am looking for a koshirae to fit the shinsakuto

On the internet I could not find much information about a koshiraemaker ( only one name came up, but he is to expensive)

How much would a new koshirae costs?

Thanks

Marcel

[Brian]

Hi Marcel,

 

I think the question of how much a koshirae costs is as difficult to say as how much a sword costs. There are simply too many factors involved. Some will purchase and use old fittings, and others will have new ones made. I have a feeling it may actually be cheaper to buy a nice set of original fittings and have the koshirae built around them.

 

Usually in the case of koshirae, there will be many different workmen involved. Someone will make the shirasaya (you will want a shirasaya and separate fittings with tsunagi?)

Someone else will do the habaki, someone else the tsuba etc etc.

Either way, it will probably be best to go through an agent for this. Maybe someone like the Usagiya shop or other dealer. A good option would be to ask the swordsmith who he uses or recommends. He will likely have a network of people who he uses, and maybe some of the fittings can be made and fitted before the final polish.

I would definitely ask him, and decide for yourself between original tosogu or newly made ones.

Sounds like a great project, and I will eagerly wait the few years for the pics

 

Brian

[myamoto]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the reply.

Indeed it is a special project for me. Can't hardly wait untill I can see the very first pictures of the tamahagane, the hammering and the melting, when they start on my project. ( probably somewhere 2009 considering the exhibition is in 2010 )

I will be happy to post pictures after completion.

I have send my questions about the koshirae to Usagiya. Thanks for pointing me in the right directions. Like I said there is not much information on the internet available on koshirae. At least I could not find it.

I will let you know their answer

Regards,

Marcel