Egg-Shell Koshirae

[Guest Majestic]

I saw an egg-shell koshirae (katana size) for sale in an antique magazine here in Japan, and am going to take a look at it over golden week. Price in the magazine is JPY 250,000, which I thought was a reasonable price - I'm kind of assuming its going to be in reasonable condition. The tsuka and wrapping look to be in good shape. Anybody have any experience with these - what to look for, what to look out for?

 

Steve

[Brian]

Steve,

For over $2500, I would expect that would have to be a pretty good koshirae. It is hard to tell if a koshirae is original or put together later. Does it have papers?

I would look out for mismatched fittings and restoration.

Other than that, I guess you need to decide what you are going to do with it (probably won't find a blade to fit unless you strip the set) and whether the fittings appeal to you. Display with a tsunagi?

Difficult to answer, but without a blade, I suggest you closely look at the tosogu and see if they are of decent quality and the whole thing works together as a set.

 

Brian

[SteveM]

Gave up on the egg-shell koshirae (for now), and instead got a hold of a cracker of a sharkskin wakizashi saya with inro-style ribbing at the top. In excellent condition, with no cracks and a kozuka space opposite the kurigata. Attaching pics for the koshirae fans out there.

[goose710]

That is beautiful!!

charles l. grusovnik

[Henry Wilson]

That is very nice Steve and congratulations. I hope sometime to be able to go with you and have a hunt.

 

The condition makes me think it is quite new, or recently restored. What do you think?

 

Does it have a seem along the the otherside? I have seen a few that are filled with silver and it gives a very nice finish.

 

Have you thought about fittings? A nice Saotome Kiku tsuba would suit it, me thinks. The side profile of the said tsuba and the pattern of the skin will be a great match. Somethimg like this:

 

http://www.legacyswords.com/fs_ant_tsuba8.htm

 

Best

[SteveM]

Hi Henry,

It could be new or restored. The insides look old enough, but the outside is in superb condition. There are a couple of places where the saya has slight impact damage (like it banged into a wall corner or something). There is a seam on the opposite side, and the shark skin is very fine (small specks) as it gets closer to the seam.

 

I haven't thought much about the fittings yet, but I have some fittings that I bought years ago that I might work with. Love the Saotome kiku tsuba!

 

Steve

[Henry Wilson]

Let us know how it works out!