While browsing the Christie's website this afternoon I came upon this online auction, which features, among other things, several important historical Japanese swords and tsubas. Any of these items could be considered "museum quality," and the photos and detailed descriptions can be a great reference for bladesmiths interested in traditional Japanese blades.
Here is the link to the main page: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/samurai-swords-and-armour-a-refined-art/categories/115
There is also a short video from the 1930s on the making of a samurai sword. If nothing else, it may perhaps provide a few minutes of entertainment... http://www.christies.com/features/Samurai-making-of-sword-5267-3.aspx
Hope someone here enjoys it!
Thank you Derrick. Some really nice pieces. High quality indeed, the hizen Tadayoshi katana with cutting test inscription is spectacular. Christies usually has a printed catalogue to go with the auction. That would be a good reference book.
Thsnk you again.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Yeah Brion, I found that piece pretty incredible too. I also learned something new while reading the description - namely that the Japanese had dedicated sword testers, whose job it was to objectively and thoroughly test the performance of sword blades. Even then, they knew the importance of objective performance testing, much like the ABS does today. Only they used live humans where we now use ropes and 2x4s.
I think I like our way better <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
I agree Derrick. You also have to think back then, they were testing them on the same things a sword would be used on in battle. I think our testing is more comprehensive. Although I did see a video of Yoshindo Yoshihara making a sword and then having it tested by cutting a helmet ( kabuto). Pretty impressive with no damage to the blade.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Hi Brion,
Haven't been on here in a while, and while cruising around saw this post.
If you would like to know more about Tameshigiri (sword testing), my good friend Markus Sesko has written a book in English on this subject, titled appropriately "TAMESHIGIRI".
For years the only information was in Japanese, with the most available being a set of books, " KUBIKIRI ASAEMON TOKEN OSHIGATA, Suiken, 1970."
http://yakiba.com/Book_BodyTests.htm
Markus's book can be purchased here at LULU:
There are two of my swords used in the book, one a very rare named cutting test blade, pg 164. Name: Head Splitter and as the name would suggest it was used to cut a human head in half vertically.
http://yakiba.com/kat_atama_pg2.htm
The other a Hizen Munetsugu with Kabuto inscription, pg 207.
http://yakiba.com/katana_munetsugu.htm
Best,
Ed
