NTHK SHINSA AND SWORD SHOW (TAIKAI)
Sydney Australia 20TH to 22ND March 2009

The Sydney Token Kai study group is pleased to announce a NTHK Shinsa and Japanese Sword and Kodogu Show (Taikai) to be held at Metro Central Hotel, Sydney Australia, 20th to 22nd March 2009.

This Shinsa features a team of experts from Japan who will evaluate over two days any Japanese sword blades, Nihontô (日本刀), the fittings that the blade fits into, Koshirae, and the small individual metal fittings (Kodogu) that make up the Koshirae. These items will be submitted by collectors and dealers of Nihontô at a pre-arranged time. For those items submitted that meet the criteria of the team (Shinsa-In), the日本刀剣保存会 (NTHK) will issue a paper (Origami) of authenticity. The Origami are hand written on hand made Japanese paper. These papers are issued from Tokyô a few months after the Shinsa-In returns to Japan. The team of experts from the日本刀剣保存会 (NTHK) will be lead by Mr. Yoshikawa Eiichi, curator of swords for the Japanese Imperial Household Agency, the Shôsoin Treasure House in Nara, the Seikadô Museum collection and polisher for the Japanese Imperial Household.

The Taikai will consist of educational events, dealer’s room and an auction for Legacy. Legacy is a charity that raises funds to support the widows and children of deceased Australian war veterans. In addition all proceeds above the running cost of the Taikai will be donated to Legacy. Highlights include

Bob Benson, sword polisher and acknowledged expert on nihonto for over 50 year, will be presenting the development of the Tanto from Heian to late Edo period.
Roger Robertshaw, eminent author and expert on Hizento will be presenting a seminar on the Hizen Tadayoshi Group mainline swordsmiths.
Dr. Gordon Robson, director of the NTHK will be presenting a seminar and display on early Kodogu, with a focus on Ko Mino as well as a display of important koshirae.
Two other internationally respected experts have expressed interest in attending and
presenting subject to later confirmation.

The Sydney Token Kai will be presenting important swords and fittings from Australian and New Zealand collections including many Juyo, Yushu, Tokubetsu Hozon papered and polished blades. The Sydney Token Kai will also host a Sword etiquette class.

Hotel and Shinsa bookings are now available, please follow the TAIKAI link above for more details.

Dealers tables for the Taikai are limited,

please email info@sydneytokenkai.com for availability and details.

Regards,
Sydney Token Kai