Boshi

by Jim Kurrasch Another thing that John P. and I were discussing by E-mail, was boshi . His comment on lot # 777, the Heian tachi set me to thinking. He had rightly pointed out that it had a chû-kissaki, which is not right for it’s period. Well I started to add 2 + 2.…

Books and Information on the Japanese Sword

by Jim Kurrasch The following are a list of books and information that may help the collector. I have tried to give a short explanation of each. Basic Books The Samurai Sword, a Handbook by John Yumoto, published by Charles E. Tuttle Company. This is a widely available book, that was first published in 1958.…

Aoe

Mumei katana attributed to Aoe. Designated Jūyō Bijūtsū on September 6th 1939, and 2 shaku 3 sun 1 bu long. Jūyō Bijūtsū set # 769, and Yamanaka JB # 10. This blade also was turned over to Lt. Col. Ward. Mumei katana attributed to Aoe. Designated Jūyō Bijūtsū on September 6th 1939, and 2 shaku…

Ancient Japanese Provinces

by Jim Kurrasch Japanese Kuni Chinese Shû Road System Map #Aki Geishû Sanyôdô 59Awa Ashû Nankaidô 56Awa Bôshû Tôkaidô 17Awaji Island Tanshû Nankaidô 50Bingo Bishu Sanyôdô 57Bitchu Bishu Sanyôdô 54Bizen Bishu Sanyôdô 52Bungo Hôshû Saikaidô 65Buzen Hôshû Saikaidô 64Chikugo Chikushû Saikaidô 68Chikuzen Chikushû Saikaidô 67Echigo Esshû Hokurokudô 12Echizen Esshû Hokurokudô 30Etchû Esshû Hokurokudô 22Ezo Hokkaidô…

Akihiro

by Jim Kurrasch A Ô-tantô signed Sôshû ju Akihiro designated Jûyô Bunkasai on September 24th, 1941. It is 1 shaku 2 sun 2 bu long – 37 cm. It was turned into the police in Kosegaya / Ochigaya Machi, Kitauonuma Gun, Niigata Prefecture on October 5th, 1945. These police turned it over to 1st Lieutenant…