Help regarding the Bigelow collection

[markturner]

Hi, I am still trying to piece together information regarding the sword I own, discussed in this thread; viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11965 which, incidentally Clive Sinclair & Paul Bowman, think exhibits strong Hizen characteristics and both have suggested getting Shinsa'd as they feel it is a very nice sword and would very probably get Tokubetsu hozon. Which is nice, but still leaves a lt of unanswered questions until I can do that.

 

The sword is described in the 1979 auction catalogue as being ex of the Bigelow collection. I am assuming this to be William Sturgis Bigelow. I have looked but can only find passing references to the collection, and the fact that the core of the Boston museum of fine arts collection came from it. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the lovely $600 book about the collection that is available, which may have further information.

 

Do any of you gentlemen have any more knowledge of the collection? was it ever catalogued? I was wondering how and when it was disposed of, how my sword may have got out and also any thing else that may be of interest related to it.

 

many thanks, Mark

[Geraint]

Hi Mark.

 

Posted a reply earlier but must have done something stupid as it has gone astray. The catalogue of the Boston Museum Collection is fabulous and a great learning resource so worth saving up for. In the meantime here is a little something from it. In essence Bigelow was born to a wealthy Boston family, trained at Harvard medical school and then went to Paris to the Institute Pasteur to further his studies where he became involved with the craze for 'Japonisme'. He went to Japan for a short visit but ended up staying for seven years. He recognised the quality of Japanese art and craft, also the fact that in the rush to westernise it was being neglected. By influence, patronage of craftsmen and donation toward the establishment of the Juyo|Bijutsu-in he contributed greatly to the appreciation of Japanese art and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Third Class; the highest award available to foreigners.

 

There is a book; "A Short Biography of W. S. Bigelow" written by Yamanaka Sadajiro, probably very hard to find now though SOAS might have a copy. Apparently he donated his collection of some 46,000 items to the Boston Museum between 1911 and his death in 1926. His sword collection was assembled with the advisory assistance of Honnami Koga and the sword dealer Machida Heikichi. The catalogue makes no mention of other parts of the collection but of course Bigelow may have sold items or the museum may have deaccesioned items at some point. Either way the sword has an interesting history.

 

You must be gathering quite a collection by now Mark, enjoy!

[markturner]

Hi Geraint, thanks for the reply and answers, Mr Bigelow figures pretty high on any search, but specific details of the sword collection seem thin on the ground.. I can find lots of reference to his life etc but not catalogue etc of the collection ( except what is in the book mentioned...)

 

As you say, I think the sword has an interesting past to try and piece together, i am loving the places this new hobby of mine is leading me, and what I am learning along the way, so much of which would be impossible without the kind help and encouragement received here, so thanks to you all|!!

 

regards, Mark