Hello everyone,

Needless to say, I hope this message finds you and your family well. The covid-19 pandemic is challenging our mental and physical well-being. Keeping our families and those around us healthy and in a positive routine is the new paradigm. Our family is well — Hannah, Lennon and (Lord) Nelson, who is all of 3-years-old, exerts his will power on all of us! Donna and I continue to be in good spirits. We are all in this together, let’s stay strong!

Thankfully, I managed to get to Japan in early January shortly before the coronavirus took hold globally. I secured many exceptional swords that I am proud to release in this Catalogue 34 Preview Edition.

We start the catalogue off with a signed Kamakura period tachi by Osafune Kagehide, the younger brother to grandmaster Mitsutada. Only eleven known signed works of Kagehide are in existence making this sword highly prized. This graceful sword comes with a glorious set of Edo period uchigatana koshirae with tachi fittings crafted by the Umetada school. Only a samurai with significant wealth could have commissioned such a custom koshirae. The sword passed the 46th NBTHK Jûyô Tôken in the year 2000.

Next up is a katana by talented swordsmith Chôjûsai Tsunatoshi. This lovely Shinshintô piece dated to 1861 is one of his final creations, as he died in 1863. It has a handsome set of original Edo period koshirae and Tanzan-sensei sayagaki. Rolling back 600 years, the following katana is by Chiyozuru Morihiro — nearly 80cm in cutting length and with ubu nakago, which is super rare for a kotô-period sword of such age. This is an exceptional sword housed in a custom koshirae in a thoughtful matsu (pine) theme that symbolises long life.

For those seeking a cutting test sword, be sure to check out the UJKA369 Nagamichi katana that was tested by Aizu retainer Makita Shigezane in 1742 and severed two bodies in one stroke. This super sharp katana has an outstanding set of Edo period koshirae with a lacquered mother-of-pearl saya resembling the night sky. A brilliant daishô follows by 3rd generation Yasutsugu from both Echizen and Edo provinces. The quality of this matching pair will light up any room. Both swords are signed with aoi-mon, the family crest of the ruling Tokugawa family of the Edo period.

It has been a while since I included a tantô in a catalogue. The 1863-dated Teruyoshi tantô exudes class and immediately caught my eye in January. Teruyoshi was a respected samurai with immense perseverance who cared deeply for his community. This is a tantô that inspires one to lead a life with honour and character.

For those looking for a fighting katana from the late Muromachi period, I strongly recommend the powerhouse katana by Kiyomitsu, signed with his personal name Mago’emon, making it extra collectible. A Jumyo school katana follows — there is always good energy that comes with a Jumyo sword, symbolising long life and good fortune, and a unique set of Edo period koshirae comes with it.

The final page carries swords that make for magnificent custom koshirae projects. The first is an elegant tachi by the brilliant former living national treasure swordsmith Masamine, inspired by the Fukuoka Ichimonji smith Sukezane. Next is a highly collectible katana by grandmaster Shodai Hizen Tadayoshi, signed Tadahiro and dated to August 1624 — one of his first swords signed Tadahiro. The final katana is a wickedly sharp sword by Tegai Kanekiyo from the late Nambokuchô period, circa 1370, with a big kirikomi (battle scar) on the spine. This sword has warrior written all over it.

Here is a timely quote to contemplate: “By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you’ll only destroy yourself.” – Kambei Shimada from the film Seven Samurai.

Now, more than ever, let’s be respectful and kind to others. Stay healthy. We look forward to serving you.

Warm regards,