Henry Jung

Professionally I belong to the field of graphics arts, originally as a scanner operator and currently, self employed pixel surgeon and graphic disaster technician.   The industry has been really good to me since an apprenticeship 20 years ago.

My interest in the Japanese Samurai militaria arose from my parents antique collection. They did not have a lot of money, and so thought to collect a little of everything, all nations and objects.  As a result two Samurai swords ended up in the house and my fascination began.   Like all boys, a weapon in the hand conjures up images of heroism and battle - except that I was not allowed to "play" with them at all.  Just look and admire (there were other military antiques to play with anyway). That is when I noticed the sword furniture. Delicate, tiny works of art beautifully crafted and yet military in origin. 

Being of German descent yet born and raised in Canada, my parents instilled in me the respect and understanding of other cultures and traditions. Art and antiques were of keen interest to them and the collecting bug was passed on to me when I was finally able to appreciate and afford such objects. The passion for tosogu continues to this day. I try to pick up pieces that mean something to me.    I have been very fortunate and have attained a core collection that I am only too happy to share but will never sell.   The fittings that interest me most are those that tell a story, depict a legend, or have some meaning or symbolism.   I also love to translate signatures and identify schools of origin....not always possible unfortunately.   If you have a fitting that you would like to know a little more about, please do not hesitate to contact me.   It is always a pleasure to help.

Fencing has been one of the greatest pleasures for much of my life.  To pass on the sport to my four year old son is a privilege beyond words.   I can only hope he takes to the sword furniture and military history with the same vigor. Currently he has adopted all the orphaned menuki as his own.....  

Military History, especially my family's involvement in both World Wars, provide many long evenings researching and writing it all down  for future generations.   What is astounding to me is that even though the wars took place within the last 100 years, not only the small details, but in some cases the larger picture has been erased and forgotten.  All those in my family who had participated have now passed on, leaving little or no clue as to their involvement.   I draw many parallels between this effort and the search for facts and meaning in my Japanese collection.  The research continues....