Kotoken Kagihara origami

[elliottshogun]

I want to learn about Kotoken Kagihara; are they still issueing paper? Do they have a website? I believe John Yumoto used to do all of his polishing services thru them. If I had an address in Japan, I would write or call if I had a phone number. That may not work as I speak no Japanese.

 

Anyone got any ideas? Thank you.

Elliott

[b.hennick]

I believe his name is Kotohen Kajihara. I do not know if he is still working as a polisher.

[watsonmil]

Dear Elliot,

It has been many years since I last spoke to Ko-token Kajihara. I believe he is now deceased or at least retired. If I stand to be corrected in this regard I would be delighted, ... as he certainly was a most kind and knowlegable gentleman.

... Ron Watson

[Ted Tenold]

Kotoken Kajihara died quite a few years ago (2001 maybe?). The last time I saw him was at a small sword show in Santa Barbara California back in 1998(?). He did a small shinsa there and was picking up swords for polish. As far as I know, he passed away shortly thereafter.

[elliottshogun]

Tell me more.........What book did he write? Was/Is he living in Kyushu,Japan?

[elliottshogun]

Were there others in his appraisal group or was he by himself?

[elliottshogun]

What I have learned.............. Kajihara Kotoken is the name. I believe they (Kajihara's) are polishing swords in Kyushu, Japan. Can anybody verify this?

[k morita]

Here is a pic of 1st gen Kajiwara Kotoken around in 1935.

[elliottshogun]

Morita san,

 

Thank you so much. I will save this picture and use it on the web page I have made. FABULOUS!

 

Elliott

[Stone]

I Met Kajihara san on his visits to London & his son who's name now escape's me. We also coresponded for a number of years, My memory is not good to say the least, but Kotoken Kajihara passed away some years ago

and I think his son closed the polishing studio, & possibly went in to the motor car industry. They lived in

Fukuoka City, & somewhere I have a few photo's of the Family, If I can dig them out I will get them posted,

there agent here( if that is the right word was Dr, G.Curtiss) from Oxford.

Regards,

Tony.

[Toryu2020]

Elliott -

Kajihara Sensei wrote and self-published the Zusetsu Nihonto Yogo Jiten - another indispensable book for your nihonto library. The Yogo Jiten is a visual glossary of the Japanese sword that covers swords and koshirae of all ages, as well as things like cleaning, conservation, origami, knot tying and more.

 

Much of the English translation was done by Yumoto Sensei as they were, as you mentioned, friends. It is also my understanding that he was active in the Fukuoka area Kantei-kai though the name of his group escapes me at the moment.

 

fwiw

-t

[elliottshogun]

Thank you Tony & Tom,

 

I will put this news to work and immediately search for that book. If you have any interest in what I have done with origami, check out my sword gallery http://www.shibuiswords.com/gallery.htm . I am adding a copy of the Toen paper and one other soon, and I will add the picture that I just saved.

 

Thanks again,

 

Elliott

[watsonmil]

Dear Elliot,

I have a couple of origami done on swords I own by Kotoken Kajihara, .... If you need, ... I can supply photos with a week or so notice.

... Ron Watson

[elliottshogun]

Thank you Ron, I am using the origami I have as my example. Ron Hartmann is sending me pic's of a Toen Sha? and one other for my use. I did find a web site displaying a few other Japanese origami that I have never seen before. As soon as I can connect with them, I will inquire about these unknown papers. Thanks again for your help.

Elliott

[pcfarrar]

Tony sent me the photos and i've uploaded them to the following link for download:

 

http://www.c.farrar.btinternet.co.uk/kajihara/

 

The sons name is Yoshihiko, the other man is Anthony Gibb an old London based dealer. If any one is interested Tony has a copy of an article on a sword Kajihara san restored for free in Australia in around mid 1979!

 

Small taster below:

 

 

[watsonmil]

Dear Peter & ( Tony ),

Thank you for posting these photos, .... it was begining in the 1980's and lastly in the 1990's that I had spoken and/or had contact with Kotoken Kajihara, ... it was delightful to see these photos. It serves to remind us all how temporary our presence really is. It seems like only yesterday that we sat together and I was in total awe that this man would even think of discussing swords with me ... a neophite !

... Ron Watson

[elliottshogun]

Peter,

 

If I am allowed to use these pictures, I will expand both my Tameshigiri page and link to his origami that I have. This will contain a small Bio about Kotoken.

 

Elliott

[elliottshogun]

I apologize, I meant to address that last post (from me) to all of you: Ron, Tony, and Peter. Your reflections are wonderful, keep them coming...............

 

Elliott

[Clive Sinclaire]

Kajihara Sensei wrote and self-published the Zusetsu Nihonto Yogo Jiten - another indispensable book for your nihonto library. The Yogo Jiten is a visual glossary of the Japanese sword that covers swords and koshirae of all ages, as well as things like cleaning, conservation, origami, knot tying and more.

Kajihara gave me a copy of this which I still have. It is a large cased 2 volume set and as Tom says, is an indespensable visual glossary. Very sadly his son died before he did and although I have a piece very well polished by him, there were some horror stories of "student work".

Clive Sinclaire

[pcfarrar]

If I am allowed to use these pictures, I will expand both my Tameshigiri page and link to his origami that I have. This will contain a small Bio about Kotoken.

 

I don't think there is any problem in you using the photos on your website.

[Stone]

Agreed as far as I am concerned, he will allways rememembered by myself with great admiration, I count

myself very lucky to call him a friend & mentor. Some where I have some more personal photograph's of

Kotoken and his lady wife watching Yoshihiko performing Tame shi giri. I also have my surname in

lovely Kanji by him, and many letter's from him. So thank you for reminding me how fortunate I was to know this man and his son.

Best Regards,

Tony.