REPORT ON
LONDON TO-KEN TAIKAI ’99
The Swallow International Hotel
Over the weekend of 13th and 14th November, we held our London To-ken Taikai at the Swallow International Hotel in Cromwell Road, London. Although we only hold such events on a bi-annual basis, we have always tried to make the Taikai something of an event, not just a dealer’s forum. This year we invited our old friend Mishina sensei to attend and he brought with him from Japan, Mr Matsuda, a modern swordsmith and Mr Miyajima, the habaki maker featured in Crafts of the Japanese Sword. Both Mr Matsuda and Mr Miyajima brought
 Mr Mishina Kenji |
 Mr Matsuda Tsuguyasu |
 Mr Miyajima Hiroshi |
examples of their work for our appreciation and study. An exhibition of blades covering Koto, Shinto, Shinshinto and Gendai-to (pre 1945) was mounted with swords from member’s private collections and this included 2 blades of Juyo To-ken status. In addition 8 shinsaku-to by Mr Matsuda, along with 2 modern koshirae by Mr Takeyama (also in Crafts of the Japanese sword) were shown. All of these swords were superbly lit and so easily seen.
We were well supported by table holders who brought a varied amount of Japanese swords, fittings and armour with them. The tables, exhibits and lighting were set up on the Friday night in order that a reasonably early and panic free start could be made on the Saturday morning and the public were admitted at 10.00 am. As an added attraction the British Kendo Association gave a fine display of Iai-do and Jodo whilst Mr Tony Norman was kind enough to give a good demonstration of the art of sword polishing. Finally, Mrs Akemi Solloway lent a more feminine air to the proceedings by explaining and demonstrating the art of the tea ceremony (she did this with Mr Matsuda’s wife, both dressed in beautiful kimono). I am particularly grateful to these people for their efforts under difficult circumstances as they were operating in a rather confined space
 Mr France Empeigne demonstrates Iaido |
 Mr Tony Norman |
In addition to dealers from USA, Sweden, Belgium and the UK, members from the Czech Republic To-ken Kenyukai, visitors from Italy, Germany, Norway, France, Holland, Denmark and even South Africa, lent a truly international flavour to the Taikai. On the first day (Saturday 13th) we were very busy indeed with over 200 coming through the door. I understand that business was brisk for the majority of dealers and there was great interest, especially in Mr Matsuda’s swords and Mr Miyajima’s fine habaki. I was particularly impressed by the intelligent questions and comments made by many of the participants regarding the swords that were displayed. It is encouraging that with such a difficult subject as the study and appreciation of Japanese swords, there seems to be a significant number of reasonably knowledgeable people who are neither Japanese nor resident in Japan.
As
well as dealers selling swords, fittings, armour and books, other
tables included a display of swords polished by Mr Tony Norman,
Mrs Akemi Solloway’s tea ceremony utensils, the British
Kendo Association and representatives from the European chapter
of the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai. There was also examples
of Mr David Edward’s work, an English tsuba and arrow maker
and Mr Richard Adams shared a table with fellow restorer Ford
Hallam.
The Sunday morning began with, what was planned as a one hour, hands-on sword appreciation / study of the eight swords that accompanied Mr Matsuda from Japan. This proved so popular that we decided to extend the viewing by some 45 minutes, which only slightly disrupted the timetable. These swords made a very good impression on those viewing them as their detailed appearance (jihada, jigane and hamon) gave the impression in most cases that these swords were far
older than they really were. As Mr Matsuda was fully in attendance for both days, he was able to talk to many about his swords (with the help of Mishina sensei’s translation skills). Such an opportunity for one on one discussion with a swordsmith is rare indeed in the West and many took full advantage of the chance. A few lines and more detail regarding about Mr Matsuda’s swords and shinsakuto in general are shown separately from this report. The Iai, polishing and tea ceremony demonstrations were repeated from the previous day.
There
are one or two of the dealing fraternity who always complain
about their business activities, or lack of them, and I use these
gentlemen as a partial indicator of the success of a taikai. I am
pleased to report that the one who usually complains the most,
seemed delighted with the weekend, which can only mean that, in
reality, it was very successful. Personally I was very pleased (and
greatly relieved) that everything went smoothly and that there
were no insurmountable problems. I have received numerous e-mails
and letters saying how much the taikai was enjoyed and
appreciated by those attending, especially in regard to Mr
Matsuda’s swords. The atmosphere was noticeably friendly and
warm throughout the weekend.
I would make special mention of Mr Rob Warren for his skills arranging the lighting for the swords, Mr Peter Richards for his behind the scenes organising skills and all those members who helped out over the weekend as well as the members who lent swords for the display. In terms of finances, I am delighted to report that, give or take a couple of hundred pounds either way, the Society broke even on the event. Finally, my thanks to The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation for their generous support, which made a fundamental contribution to the success of our To-ken Taikai, without which it would not have been possible.
Report by Clive Sinclaire
Copyright ©2000 Clive Sinclaire. All rights reserved.
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