The Japanese Sword Scholar : "Jack of all trades, master of none!"

[Bryce]

G'day Guys,

My recent focus on Gassan Sadakazu/Sadakatsu has got me wondering about something. I come from a background in the study of British swords. In this field most people seem to focus in on specific periods of time, where they can develop a lot of expertise on the swords produced during this period. In contrast to this, the student of Japanese swords is expected to be across all swordsmiths who produced blades during the last 1000 years. I don't think it is humanly possible to develop the same level of expertise when studying all blades produced in 1000 years compared to a 50 or 100 year period. When it comes to shinsa, does the NBTHK know what blades they will be authenticating beforehand? Can they call in experts on specific smiths during shinsa or do they all need to be across all swordsmiths from all time periods?

Cheers,

Bryce

[David Flynn]

Big part of this is Mumei blades.    Shinto Mumei, unless the features stand out like Dogs Balls, are generally papered to either, Bungo or Kaga.  Old Koto blades that have indistinguishable traits, are generally papered to Ko Uda..    So in answer to your question,  No, they are the Experts.   Usually, there is a Team.  However, they generally defer to the Senior Kantei Ka.  Hence, if a Mumei blade is sent to NBTHK or NTHK, they may receive different attributions.

[Matsunoki]

8 hours ago, Bryce said:

I don't think it is humanly possible to develop the same level of expertise when studying all blades produced in 1000 years compared to a 50 or 100 year period.

Hi Bryce……I totally agree…..you could go mad in the process. I can’t think of a more complex field of collecting or studying. 

 

4 hours ago, David Flynn said:

Hence, if a Mumei blade is sent to NBTHK or NTHK, they may receive different attributions.

This proves your point…..if the experts can’t agree what chance us mere mortals? 
I take my hat off to the members on here that have “cracked it”…..it must have taken an unbelievable amount of time and effort, not to mention a damned good memory. 

[paulb]

Colin, I don't think anyone here would have claimed to have "cracked it" Next year it will be 40 years since I bought my first Nihon-To and I have studied the subject more or less continuously since then. I have taken part in the NBTHK Shijo kantei every month for the past 20 or so. I would love to think I have cracked it, but the reality is I remain a complete beginner. Unfortunately, we (i) just do not have sufficient opportunity to look at really good, authenticated swords in the volume and frequency necessary to build a level of expertise.

However, that doesn't stop the journey from being incredibly exciting and rewarding. I think all that happens is that you accept you can't learn it all and appreciate what you have picked up enroute.

[Matsunoki]

1 hour ago, paulb said:

Colin, I don't think anyone here would have claimed to have "cracked it"

Morning Paul……..I guess my use of “cracked it” was in comparison to me! My aspiration  first time around and again now was simply to be able to recognise a superb sword from a good sword from a not so good etc. …and to enjoy my temporary custodianship. I don’t “value” it based on who made it (although I do try to seek opinions)or if it’s gimei or if it’s a bit rough!

I know that is not true scholarship but it’s what makes me happy. I’m a collector and a dedicated enthusiast for all forms of Japanese Art and craftsmanship also for over 40 years and I certainly share your excitement. 
……but the knowledge that some of you guys have is still amazing.

If ever you find yourself in the East Anglian wastelands give me a shout.

All the best

Colin

[paulb]

Will do Colin

[Jussi Ekholm]

I have been really happy to see your Gassan posts Bryce, it is interesting to see research on them, as they fall way out of my personal scope. I have interest in old Gassan works but not for "modern" Gassan. I do think people will specialize in this hobby too. Personally I put my time in researching pre-1500's stuff with still having interest in few schools during 1500-1600. I do not have really time to spend Edo and later stuff at all. Of course you will learn some "basics" about famous Edo smiths over time and can check books on those. The subject Japanese swords is so large field in general I think over time you could (perhaps even should) narrow it down to items that interest you personally.

 

For example as I browse the Japanese dealer sites & Yahoo JP weekly and seek all new items, I only open up the very few items that interest me personally, mostly pre-1450's stuff. There are thousands of swords listed online in Japan and stock is ever changing, only by ignoring the vast majority of them I will have time to look into those that interest me.

 

You might even want to focus on extremely narrow field (for example one Bizen off-brach etc.) but the more narrow you go the less even Japanese source material there is available.

 

I have not found info on who is currently in NBTHK shinsa panel, I am not sure if the info is open to the public? I believe those with connections in Japan will maybe know some people. However back in the old days when branch shinsa were applied, I found the list of all NBTHK shinsa team members in HQ & every branch in old Tōken Bijutsu. It was several pages of names 100+ and their position was also featured. Now this was back when branch shinsa were a thing...

 

NBTHK gets massive submission numbers to each Hozon & Tokubetsu Hozon shinsa, I don't think they can spend much time on a single item (I remember doing a thread about submission numbers). I think when you get to Jūyō level they can spend more time per item, and of course in that level items are historically important or/and good quality items.

[Bryce]

Thanks guys, I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

Cheers,

Bryce