Daido / Era Question...

[Mark J]

A Question about Daido

 

I bought an unsigned Daido katana that the seller asserted was from the late Muromachi Period. 

 

In researching the sword maker, I came across “The Index of Japanese Swordsmiths A-M” by Markus Sesco.

 

Sesco lists a total of 8 different swordsmiths named Daido (using the same characters that are on the NBTHK Hozon) who produced swords between 1573 – 1989.  So, quite the range!

 

I have read some items about the changing blade curvature over different periods.  Does anyone here have the ability to ballpark a period based on the cutting edge length / Full sword length?  Some sort of formula?

 

Conversely, can anyone take a stab at it based on a photo of the blade?

 

Am I missing something, or is there a better way?

 

Much appreciation!

[DoTanuki yokai]

You have to show the blades sugata. A picture from a 90degree angle of the Blade without tsuka and the habaki. Even then you can’t be sure...  

For a „good“ amateur appraisal you better show everything.

 

with that pic only I would say early edo

[Mark J]

Thank you! Appreciated!

[Shugyosha]

Hi Mark, 

Can I reassure you that you’ve done pretty well with your first purchase: you’ve bought a sword that’s in polish, probably not shortened significantly  from its original length (the paper suggests 73.3cm if the online converter works) and with papers to a well respected smith. 

The trick here is to “decode” the papers - there are a number of examples of unsigned blades on line with papers simply saying “Daido” attributed to the first generation by respected sellers. So this, and the length of the blade (a little longer than standard for the Edo period) are good signs that it’s muromachi guy rather than later. If it helps,

Also, if you bought from a reputable dealer there’s a better than average chance that their judgement, made with the blade in hand, is good. The loss of reputation wouldn’t be worth misrepresenting the blade. 

 

Once more, we’ll done on your first buy. 

[Mark J]

Thank you Sir - excellent information and duly appreciated!  I sometimes feel like I am stumbling around in the dark here - so thank you for the light!