A
Visit by Abe Kazunori
Abe
Kazunori from Tokyo is one of the elite sword polishers in Japan today. He
apprenticed in the craft for ten years until he became independent in 1978, but
chose to continue his study of polishing for a further fifteen years as a
visiting student to Master Ono Hiroshi (the son of Living National Treasure
polisher Ono Kokei). Abe sensei was elevated to Mukansa in 2003.
Also
visiting was Ono Yoshimitsu who is widely tipped to become a future Living
National Treasure Swordsmith of Japan. At the annual sword forging competition
he won the top prize, the Prince Takamatsu Award four times in succession, a
feat never achieved before.
These gentlemen gave a demonstration for members of the British Japanese sword societies in London on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May 2007.
Abe Kazunori Sensei
Polishing area
Working on sword
None
of this would have been possible but for Paul Martin formerly of the British
Museum, who moved to Japan in an effort to further his studies of Nihonto.
This
amiable young man has done so much to help British sword collectors in such a
short period of time it is hard to believe. Paul has also won the Kantei at the
NBTHK in Tokyo last year and I believe is the only non Japanese to have achieved
this, an indication of just how hard he studies.
At the event Paul was the only translator and worked continuously throughout the weekend. On Sunday he did not even have time to eat his sandwich which we brought back for his lunch. So thank you Paul for not only making it possible but for your tireless efforts all weekend. On a personal note I could never thank Paul enough for that weekend, so many dreams became true.
Paul Martin, far right.
Ono Yoshimitsu Sensei
Ono Yoshimitsu sensei applying clay.
I believe outside my immediate family there is only one person who truly knew and understood how I felt about this visit by these sensei and Abe sensei in particular. This same person over the years we have known each other, has come to know how much my polishing quest means to myself. It means so much more to me than any material gains, prestige or any other words I can think of. This man said to me “ I hope you are not TOO disappointed or feel let down?” My response was to say that I fully expect to be disappointed , not least because my own imagination will build my dreams of gaining some more skill and knowledge on polishing. Not for one millisecond did I expect or dream of what did happen. As I said before, there is no way I could thank Paul Martin for firstly bringing these men or for the introductions and translations of that which passed between Abe sensei and myself.
Tony Norman and Abe Sensei discussing finishing work
First Abe sensei looked at my polishing work on three sue-koto blades (two Mino blades and one Odawara soshu blade). He told me things that I already knew but so much that I did not quite know how to do. Thankfully, the information he has given me I will be able to put into practice. I went looking for inspiration but came away with so much more. Three days after this wonderful event I am still pinching myself. The information is all written down although I will never forget it.
I
cannot explain my feelings of gratitude and amazement for having the chance to
meet these two masters of their crafts. Of course for me Abe sensei will always
stay fresh in my mind. Every day I am privileged to work on polishing a sword it
will be Abe sensei’s teachings in my thoughts.
I
find it very frustrating not being able to convey to Paul and Abe sensei how
much their generosity and spirit means to me and the rest of my life. I must
also thank the members of the Northern Token Society. They were great company
and on both days they and myself took Abe sensei and his son Ono sensei to lunch
where we all got along very well. So a big thank you lads.
Your
company and support was very much appreciated.
They
only downside of the event was that with such a rare opportunity to meet such
masters I would have expected more sword lovers that I know to have come along.
Perhaps they don’t visit the Token Society’s web site.
Tony
Norman.