Monday 13 May 2019
Two events on the subject of Japanese swords are taking place on Thursday 16 May.
Guernsey Museum is hosting the sessions, which both feature special guests from the To-Ken Society of Great Britain.
The main event is a lecture entitled 'An Introduction To Japanese Swords' at 7pm. Ahead of the Museum's summer exhibition about Japan, this lecture will give an overview of the history of the development of the Japanese sword through the centuries. Visitors can discover the methods of forging a blade, polishing techniques and applying mounts. Mr Paul Bowman, the Chairman of the To-Ken Society, will present the lecture supported by two other members of the society. Mr Mike Hickman-Smith is an expert in Japanese sword mounts or koshirae and Mr Ian Chapman is a specialist in Japanese soft metal fittings, mounts and the myths and themes behind them.
Entry to the lecture is free but limited spaces are available. Please telephone 726518 to book your place.
Earlier in the day, there is a drop-in session for anyone who has a Japanese sword and would like some guidance about it. The special guests from the To-Ken Society will offer the following:
- Confirmation of whether a sword or fittings are authentic (i.e. Not modern fakes)
- Offer an opinion as to the age of the sword and its school or tradition
- Confirm whether a piece is restorable and how this might be best achieved
- Offer advice on how to look after or maintain a piece
What the Society members are not able to do is confirm the authenticity of signatures. This is a free session by appointment only. Anyone interested is asked to contact Matt Harvey directly at matt.harvey@gov.gg or telephone 706963 to arrange a suitable time to drop by between 2pm and 5pm on the day.
'To Japan and Back Again' the summer exhibition at Guernsey Museum this year, opens on Friday 24 May. More Japanese-themed events are planned to take place during the exhibition, which continues until Sunday 8 September.
