Chipping of the finish of the scabbard

[AnssiH]

Hello.

 

Little over a year ago I visited Japan, and purchased an antique tanto, some 150 years old (paid ~1700e = $2500). I haven't touched it other than to clean and re-oil the blade (with the proper caretaking tools that I purchased along with the tanto)

 

Tonight as I re-oiled the blade, little piece of the black lacquer(?) finish chipped off of the scabbard. I looked closer and the finish is about to chip off both from the handle and the scabbard near the mouth. It looks like it is drying out, so much so that it's difficult to take the tanto out of the scabbard without causing another chip to fall off. I am not completely sure if it was just about to chip off all along though as I have been handling the piece quite carefully; it could be I've just managed to keep it together until now.

 

I do not know much about Japanese antique swords, and actually I do not know if the scabbard and handle are also supposed to be 150 years old (would that even be possible?), and if they have much value or not. But either way it is a shame because the scabbard was in a very good shape, so I would like to know if there's anything I can do about that.

 

If you guys need to see pictures, I can arrange them at some point.

 

Thanks in advance!

-Anssi H

[Guest reinhard]

Japanese lacquer-ware (including saya) should be kept away from very dry surroundings; especially from direct sunlight, central-heating and the like. The blade, on the other hand, should be stored dryly. This is why serious collectors keep their blades in shirasaya and store the koshirae in another adequate surrounding. Depending on the climate you live in, both might be possible at the same place, but it seems, you have chosen a bad place for your koshirae.

 

reinhard

[IanB]

Anssi,

Lacquer is remarkably resiliant provided it does not dry out. I have forgotten most of the chemistry I knew, but as I understand it it is made up of polymer molecules surrounded by attached water. If the latter is lost it is irreversible and the result is a dry looking absorbant finish that holds fingerprints and other stains permanently. To avoid this, a humid environment (60% relative humidity) and just as important low light levels. About 50 lux is considered reasonably safe for temporary display. Long term storage should be in the dark, hence the use of brocade bags.

 

Ian Bottomley

[AnssiH]

Okay, thanks guys. I don't have means to measure the humidity level right now but it can indeed get a bit dry over here during the winter, so that could be the problem, will have to look into that. I also have spotlights on the ceiling and one was pointing towards the shelf where the tanto is, so I turned that away as well.

 

Is there anything I can or should do now that little pieces have already chipped off or about to chip off (there are few cracks)?

 

-AnssiH