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Přednáška "Jak se dívat na japonský meč: Jak správně vybrat a koupit nihontó" Igora Hochmajera
Lecture "How to look at a Japanese sword: How to correctly choose and buy nihonto" by Igor Hochmajer
Event by: Nihonto Kenkyukai 日本刀研究会
Location: Strahov Monastery Brewery, Strahovské nádvoří 301, Praha 1
Discussions and lectures
About event
Nihonto kenkyukai would like to invite you to a lecture by Igor Hochmajer from The Token Society of Great Britain on the topic "How to look at a Japanese sword: How to correctly choose and buy nihonto". 11800 Prague 1 - Hradčany, Czech Republic)
Lecturer: Igor Hochmajer
Language of the lecture: Czech
Annotation of the lecture:
How to recognize a quality Japanese sword and what to focus on when choosing it? What really determines the value of a blade, and what are the most common mistakes novice collectors make? A Japanese sword is often judged by the smith's name, age or attached certificates. In reality, however, the most important thing is the blade itself - its construction, the quality of the steel, the method of forging and hardening, as well as the overall technical condition. It is in these details that the real value of a sword and the ability to recognize the difference between an exceptional work and a mere collector's curiosity are hidden.
In the lecture, Igor Hochmajer will share the experience gained during more than twenty-five years of studying Japanese swords. He will show how to look at a sword with the eyes of a connoisseur, what signs to look for when assessing a blade and how to think about buying a sword without unnecessary prejudices. He will also touch on the difference between a sword created for real use and a sword that was created primarily as a representative or collector's item.
The lecture is not intended only for collectors. It will offer a broader view of the Japanese sword as a unique combination of functionality, metallurgy, craftsmanship and aesthetics. Participants will gain a basic orientation in what to really look for when evaluating a sword, and will take away practical knowledge that can be used in future acquisitions and a deeper study of nihontó.
Lecturer's medallion:
Igor Hochmajer has been studying Japanese swords for more than twenty-five years. He comes from the Czech Republic, where in the past he himself worked as a member of the Nihonto Kenkyukai. Since 2018, he has been living in London, where he holds the position of secretary and lecturer of the British To-Ken Society.
His approach to judging swords is based on the traditional kuden method — direct oral transmission of knowledge. In his work and teaching, he places emphasis primarily on the blade itself, its metallurgical quality and functionality, not just on famous names or certificates. This critical view, which often questions the established habits of Western collecting, forms the core of his educational activity.
He passes on his knowledge primarily through personal meetings and lectures, but since last autumn he has gradually expanded his teaching activities to the online environment. He also acts as a consultant and expert advisor in acquisitions for private collectors and professional dealers in Japanese antiques
More information coming soon.
Entrance fee:
* NK member 150 CZK
* ČJS member 180 CZK
* Other visitors 200 CZK
Lecturer: Igor Hochmajer
Language of the lecture: Czech
Annotation of the lecture:
How to recognize a quality Japanese sword and what to focus on when choosing it? What really determines the value of a blade, and what are the most common mistakes novice collectors make? A Japanese sword is often judged by the smith's name, age or attached certificates. In reality, however, the most important thing is the blade itself - its construction, the quality of the steel, the method of forging and hardening, as well as the overall technical condition. It is in these details that the real value of a sword and the ability to recognize the difference between an exceptional work and a mere collector's curiosity are hidden.
In the lecture, Igor Hochmajer will share the experience gained during more than twenty-five years of studying Japanese swords. He will show how to look at a sword with the eyes of a connoisseur, what signs to look for when assessing a blade and how to think about buying a sword without unnecessary prejudices. He will also touch on the difference between a sword created for real use and a sword that was created primarily as a representative or collector's item.
The lecture is not intended only for collectors. It will offer a broader view of the Japanese sword as a unique combination of functionality, metallurgy, craftsmanship and aesthetics. Participants will gain a basic orientation in what to really look for when evaluating a sword, and will take away practical knowledge that can be used in future acquisitions and a deeper study of nihontó.
Lecturer's medallion:
Igor Hochmajer has been studying Japanese swords for more than twenty-five years. He comes from the Czech Republic, where in the past he himself worked as a member of the Nihonto Kenkyukai. Since 2018, he has been living in London, where he holds the position of secretary and lecturer of the British To-Ken Society.
His approach to judging swords is based on the traditional kuden method — direct oral transmission of knowledge. In his work and teaching, he places emphasis primarily on the blade itself, its metallurgical quality and functionality, not just on famous names or certificates. This critical view, which often questions the established habits of Western collecting, forms the core of his educational activity.
He passes on his knowledge primarily through personal meetings and lectures, but since last autumn he has gradually expanded his teaching activities to the online environment. He also acts as a consultant and expert advisor in acquisitions for private collectors and professional dealers in Japanese antiques
More information coming soon.
Entrance fee:
* NK member 150 CZK
* ČJS member 180 CZK
* Other visitors 200 CZK