Nihon-to for flower cutting ?

[DirkO]

Hi,

 

I came across this Naotane, Sai-jo Saku:

 

http://www.e-sword.jp/sale/0710_3031syousai.htm

 

Now this item, beautiful in it's own right, brings up some questions in me (I can only read some very basic Japanese, so it could be that the explanation is right there on the site):

 

1) Why did a swordsmith make something like that ? Was it because the swordbusiness was slow and he wanted to try his hand at something else ? Was it perhaps made as a gift ? Or a custom order by a wealthy businessman ?

2) Why did it receive kantei-sho ? I mean, it has nothing to do with a nihon-to per se. I know swordfittings also receive kantei-sho, but this is some way out.

3) Why was there a koshirae created for this flowercutting tool ?

 

Sorry for all the questions, but this item really has me puzzled (it doesn't take much to puzzle me ). I think it's a great curiosum and would love to buy something like this. Swordcollecting is all about finding out the story behind the sword and I think this could be a really nice one. Alas, my funds are kind of strapped at the moment

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

1) Why did a swordsmith make something like that ? Was it because the swordbusiness was slow and he wanted to try his hand at something else ? Was it perhaps made as a gift ? Or a custom order by a wealthy businessman ?

 

Custom order looks like the right answer.

 

2) Why did it receive kantei-sho ? I mean, it has nothing to do with a nihon-to per se. I know swordfittings also receive kantei-sho, but this is some way out.

 

Nata could be made of different steels (harder for the edge) implying quiet a bit of skillfullness

in making a good one, and I guess the signature plays a role here.

Another even more strange "Naotane Nata" already posted on NMB.

 

3) Why was there a koshirae created for this flowercutting tool ?

 

You can find koshirae even to hold money...

Anyway this might be related to the status and wealth of the customer oR simply because

it's a "Naotane"

[Rich S]

Seems to me to be a rather normal kubi-kiri (BOKUWARI or HANAKIRI TANTO). The description and origami lends credence to the idea that

kubi-kiri were in fact for ikebana and bonsai rather than "head cutters"

 

Rich S

[Ted Tenold]

I suspect this kind of thing was either a purchase by an affluent gardener, or a presentation gift to one from a client that was of lofty position. Given the affinity for masterful gardens among those that could afford them, something like this seems a natural fit.

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

Nata could be made of different steels (harder for the edge) implying quiet a bit of

skillfullness in making a good one,

 

What I meant, a Nata Tsukurikomi.

Looks good for cutting even small wood branches (or to pass in between neck vertebrae if you prefer...)

 

[Baka Gaijin]

Morning all,

 

I have been told by a Japanese Tea Ceremony student that blades of this shape, in plainer Koshirae admitedly were utilised in and around the Cha - Do -Jo for cutting flowers or branches appropriate to season, and splitting bamboo for Cha shaku etc

 

(See Teshigahara's "Rikyu" c.1990)

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

[nagamaki - Franco]

perhaps of some interest theme wise http://daimyoubugu5.web.infoseek.co.jp/D3-81/index.htm

[Ed]

When I purchased this one in Japan it was referred to as a "Nata" which translates loosely as Hatchet. This would correlate with the term Hanakiri tanto or flower cutting tanto. I was told only the upper class were allowed to own them, but I can not confirm this.

 

Judging from the examples I have seen they range widely in quality.

 

As far as why swordsmiths made them, I would suspect the reasons were simple. Custom order surely, response to an en vogue demand, nothing better to do, etc., etc.

 

In regards to kanteisho, they were made by swordsmiths and I suppose their work could be authenticated just as a sword.

 

A koshirae was necessary for any functional edged weapon or tool. Even modern day knives and hatchets have a handle and a leather or nylon sheath.

 

I would surmise the price of this one is directly related the the name Naotane. The koshirae is unusual and nice.

 

For more photos of this one: http://yakiba.com/nata.htm