Hello everyone,

Wow, what a year. Our newest addition to the family, Nelson, has turned 15 months. 2017 may have been the Year of the Rooster — for us, this has been the Year of the Nelson. Yes, we have our very own “Boss Baby” (if you have seen the movie, you understand!)

Both Donna and I can say, without a doubt, that this has been the busiest year of our lives. With three young kids now, we have tackled responsibilities full on together in every shape and form.

Thankfully, Nelson is sleeping better, able to communicate more effectively, and our two eldest, Hannah and Lennon, are able to help out too. Our new family dynamic is taking shape.

I set out a goal to produce Catalogue 28 before year end and I am delighted to present these wonderful swords to you. Thank you for downloading the catalogue.

Nine swords have been compiled for this catalogue — actually nine lots in total, given that one is a spectacular genuine Edo-period daishô. Half of the lots are from the kotô period (pre-1600), most of which are from the Kamakura period, which is very exciting.

In this catalogue I have spent extra time focusing on the nakago description of each sword. I receive many good questions about the modifications that can occur, especially on older swords. For example, the first sword in the catalogue — a former tachi by Unji of the Ukai school — features a relatively rare gaku-mei nakago where the original signature was inlaid on the newly formed nakago.

Other kotô-period collectibles include a lovely torii-zori katana by Rai Kunizane with Tanobe sensei sayagaki, a charismatic Katayama Ichimonji school wakizashi with an impressive kirikomi battle scar, and a brilliant koshi-zori katana signed by Sukemitsu that oozes a warrior presence.

Our Edo-period swords include a masterpiece by shodai (first generation) Hizen Masahiro. Everything about this long, muscular katana says samurai. And wait until you see the matching set of swords by Hizen Tadahiro. This is a party daishô unlike any other — everyone is invited.

Another unique Shintô-period piece is a sharp, iris-shaped wakizashi attributed to shodai Kanewaka with a thoughtful koshirae telling the tale of a monkey reaching for the moon’s reflection.

Finally, I have an excellent katana here in the UK by third-generation Echizen Yasutsugu, signed with aoi-mon (hollyhock family crest), for which I created a 15-minute introductory video.

Thank you to all those who claimed swords at our studio in Tokyo this past year. Dozens of swords were acquired this way by happy clients from around the world — including Costa Rica of all places. Congratulations Richard!

It’s always such a great pleasure to serve you. Your support and incredible enthusiasm means everything to me. Happy holidays!

Warm regards,