The Best of both world

伝龍門延吉太刀 Ryumon Nobuyoshi 1288-1293 大和伝

伝龍門延吉太刀Ryumon Nobuyoshi

My search for the Nihonto has been a very slow one. It took me more then a year. I was originally looking for an Aoe but ended with a Koto Ryumon Nobuyoshi after sending to NBTHK for verification. Belonging to Yamato den and from Kamakura period. Ryumon Nobuyoshi has descended the skill of Yamato Senjyuin and has fine jigane of Kamakura period.   

I have tried to find out more and from the internet. 

There are not many works left by Ryumon Nobuyoshi but there is record from National Treasure important cultural property. Among them, the swords designated as national treasures are the fees of Emperor Suzu Mizuo, and Kim Riko Kikuri Makie Makie Spinning Tiger Sword and Indigo Chrysanthemum Golden Bag are attached. 

(Source: http://www.tsuruginoya.net/stories/ryuumonnnobuyoshi/)

Emperor Go-Mizunoo's sword : made by Ryumon Nobuyoshi - (active 1317). National Treasure. Oshigata 

( Source : http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Famous_Samurai_Swords)

This hobby is a tough one as informations are limited and each Tachi and Katana is unique and it needs a trained eyes to see and verify. Even the NBTHK cannot be 100% certain on the school, There is aslo the problem of counterfeith signatures making this hobby a great challenge. Moreover, there are also requirements for registration and deregistration (in Japan) and application of license for import into Singapore.

The purchase of this Tachi has resulted in much misunderstanding with my Japanese dealer as he was 100% sure it will be an Aoe. Lesson learnt is to buy the real experience of the dealer and find one with good customer service and good integrity. A samuria is supposed to have integrity. The decendants of the samurai should have it too but I guess in the modern age, integrity is rare now.

I hope to send in for shisha next year and hope to find a good dealer to help me...

Information courtesy of Nihonto Club