Hi everyone,

Catalogue 31 continues our tradition of presenting exceptional swords across a wide range of periods and traditions. A delightful late Edo-period katana by 8th generation Nobutaka from Owari province with Tanobe-sensei sayagaki has a distinct Yamato tradition flair to it, which is rare for Nobutaka. This blade is housed in a matching arabesque and kiri-mon design tachi koshirae that will look stunning on display. Two more special swords on consignment with me in the UK are a Kamakura-period katana with lovely koshirae by jojo-saku smith Aoe Yoshitsugu and a 1943 WWII collectable katana by Kôa Isshin Mantetsu.

I am pleased to include two unique pieces from the Nara school. One is a tsuba stamped Ryôka, the penname of Tsuneshige — depicting the Taoist immortal Tieguai with crystal eyes that follow you. The next is a set of fuchi-kashira depicting Shôki, the Demon Queller. These fittings should really be paired together.

Over the past few months a number of swords have been sold privately to clients. I have interspersed some notable highlights within this catalogue. One of the most important swords is a kodachi by national treasure swordsmith Norishige — a fellow student of Masamune. Another Jûyô Tôken katana sold is by Shodai Kyo-Tanba Yoshimichi. Normally one would expect to see a sudare-ba hamon, however this rare gem is forged in suguha. An outstanding Higo custom handachi koshirae was created for the sword.

A Ko-Bizen tachi partly signed by Ietoshi is another masterpiece — my father (who proofreads the catalogues) calls this sword “a Cadillac!” All of these swords are museum-worthy. Be sure to also review the Jumyo katana that former NBTHK director Kunzan once gifted his brother-in-law, and an awesome three-body cutting test katana by Yamato no Kami Yasusada with Yamano Ka’emon no Jô Nagahisa gold inlay.

Thank you as always for your genuine support and passion for life. We look forward to serving you.

Warm regards,