Machi Okuri: Machi Moved Upwards

[fatrat2]

Hi,

 

Am looking at a Momoyama piece and machi has been moved about an inch upwards. Nakago is still unaltered. My question is that if machi okuri alone devalues the sword in any way. If it does, how much (quatitatively or qualitatively)? Everything else on the sword is close to perfect condition wise. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Chian

[Ken-Hawaii]

Photos?

 

Also, you need to sign all of your posts with at least your first name, per Brian's rules.

[fatrat2]

Hi Ken,

 

I dont have photos per se but am just wondering if machi okuri impacts the value of a sword of that period assuming all things else is a constant. I will get to handle it when i visit Japan in my upcoming trip. 

 

Chian

[Geraint]

Dear Chian.

 

If you are the buyer then of course it does, if you are the seller then absolutely not!

 

On a more serious note any modification to a sword has an influence on how it is regarded but I don't think machi okuri on an otherwise ubu nakago would bother most people unless it tripped the sword over the katana/wakizashi demarcation.

 

All the best.

[Surfson]

Interesting point.  We should have a thread about minor modifications to a tang and their relative impact.   I would think that the order is, from least to most (leaving out combinations):

second hole in tang, otherwise ubu

machiokuri

suriage

osuriage

[Tom Darling]

They're what they're. Fundamental point of value is condition, quality and kizu. Might add, ubu katana 100%, tanto 50%, wakizashi 30%. to the equation. When pertaining to Koto blades, whether momei, suriage, etc.the value is wide open to the highest level, like Masamune, ichimonji etc. A ubu Kiyomaro is 100% value, suriage -nakago 50%  imo. But, of course, there is always exceptions to the rule.

 

Tom D.