Photo Essay: Antique Koto Tanto in Edo Mountings
This tanto appears to be koto and may be around 450-550 years old (Warring States Era). Though this blade has some battle damage and is somewhat worn (“tired”) due to many polishes over the centuries, it can still be enjoyed as an interesting and very old sword. The tang is signed Kane_ (兼_) in an…
Photo Essay: Polishing an Antique Tanto
Some views into the steel of an antique yoroidoshi during restoration polishing, on a day and stage when the light and the surface were showing interesting details of the hamon and hada. Thank you to its caretaker for allowing me to contribute to its care and preservation. In a private collection in Vancouver.
Photo Essay: Antique Wakizashi Restored
Some views of an Edo period wakizashi that had a tsuka repair with tsuba and fuchi replacement, fitment tune-up, and scabbard repair and lacquering. Thank you to its caretakers for allowing me to contribute to its care and preservation. Unpapered as it came out of Japan before WWII and had been in a family continuously…
Aikuchi Tanto Koshirae
A custom koshirae for a small antique tanto blade belonging to a client. Crimson lacquered samegawa handle, fukiurushi horn fittings, a silver mekugi, and polished black lacquer scabbard in a classical aikuchi style. Materials for the custom red and black aikuchi style koshirae mounting include lacquered samegawa over hounoki (朴の木, japanese bigleaf magnolia/magnolia obovata) for…
Photo Essay: Antique Wakizashi
Some views of an Edo period wakizashi that is in the shop for a fitment tune-up and mekugi replacement, along with a new sword bag brought from Japan. Thank you to its caretakers for allowing me to contribute to its care and preservation. At almost 400 years old, this sword is unique in that it…