Questions regarding nihonto

[edzo]

I have recently been offered an opportunity to purchase or market a private collection of Nihonto and related items that are part of an estate and private collection. The collection consists of over 60 swords, aikuchi, tanto, yari, tachi, wakizashi, katana, gunto, mountings and fittings, but not limited to that. I have initiated a cataloguing process and research effort that has proven to be much more complex than anticipated in spite of my research efforts including expansion of my reference library. This process has exponentially, stimulated my interest, desire and appreciation of the sword. Some of the pieces in the collection were acquired at the 1992 Christes "Compton Sale". Based upon my initial observations and research the blades span early Edo period to the 1940s.

 

If anyone can help or give me any advice I would appreciate it. My questions are as follow;

 

1. How do I determine if a blade has been over-polished and if it can sustain another polish to restore its beauty?

 

2. What am I to look for in the rust residue on the tang to assist me in dating or confirming the age of the blade? I have lab microscopes, if they are needed.

 

3. I have read a rating of smiths in some articles, 5,...10,....50?, what is their significance and how is that rating used or assigned?

 

I'm conducting a lot of research on this right now so if you are looking for something or a source, whatever, I will forward you that information if I stumble onto it.

 

Thank You for your consideration,

 

Ed F from Boston, MA.

[Mark Green]

Wow Ed,

What a dream come true for most of the gang here!

I'm from the North Shore, (Rockport) but live in the south now. Or I would vol.

I'm sure someone here will let you know who may help you in the Boston area.

Be careful.

Mark G

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Ed,

The answer to all of your questions is to spend about 10 years in serious study; then you'll know how to do what you want.

It won't be possible for someone at your level of expertise (judging by the questions you've asked; no offense meant) to properly catalog and appraise the collection. There are no short cuts to experience. You need help from someone both knowledgeable and honest. Best of luck.

Grey

[Curran]

Dear Ed,

 

I am afraid that Grey is absolutely right. It is one of the deepest field of studies and takes a long time.

 

This board is an incredible resource. Photos posted here will get you considerable (sometimes conflicting) info. Your best bet is to start taking a few steps: pick up some of the Intro texts available via Amazon, and start posting photos here and asking questions.

 

Wish I lived back up Boston way, but we're in Florida for now. I don't know if there is still an active Boston Nihonto Club.

 

Curran

[edzo]

Dear Curran,

 

Thank you very much for responding to my post. I’m afraid I gave the impression that I was in a position to what I think may potentially be a special collection, wrong and handle it inappropriately.

 

I have been and am building a respectable library and reference resources. That is not to say that I think that mere text and research is enough. I am well aware and learned a long time ago that a little knowledge can be dangerous. Experience rules! I have read several books on the subject and was astounded at how complex and far-reaching the art of the sword was. I do have a little knowledge, perhaps more than my original questions revealed.

 

In any event, I am hoping to learn and acquire knowledge, protocol, informed opinion, perspective and theory from this site as well as making new friends and hopefully, make valuable contributions to the site.

 

My foremost attention (Conservation/Preservation), is that no item in the collection is abused or damaged by improper storage or actions by me or others. I have cautioned the owner of this because of the temptation that looms when looking at the swords and mountings noticing that silver mounts are tarnished etc. My advice, to the owner included; that no cleaning or repair should occur without the proper solutions and techniques properly administered by experienced individuals.

 

My initial focus on the swords are the blades notwithstanding the significance of the mounts.

 

I think my “fatal” questions”, with regard to Grey was; “How do I determine if a blade has been over-polished and determine that it could sustain a new polish, as opposed to warranting one. I asked this question because I understand that the construction of a blade (cross-section), can include layers, applied or cores of different qualities etc. My thinking was that over-polishing might reduce the outer layer, if that’s the case, might reveal an inner layer detracting from a blade. I also understand that a fresh polish may reveal many characteristics that may not be discernable on older, out of polish blades.

 

The other thing was that I read the rust residue on tanks should be retained as it assists in dating a blade, maybe because of the steel used and those characteristics. Having sophisticated optical equipment I thought it might be helpful to know what to look for.

 

All that said, I will be happy to send you photos and solicit your ideas or thoughts and hope you enjoy them anyway. Please feel free commenting of giving your opinion regarding my questions, I won’t be offended.

 

Respectfully,

Ed

[Curran]

Dear Ed,

 

Nice reply. I am not sure how to concisely or even adequately answer your questions. I trust my opinion on some area. On others, I'd defer to Grey or some of the other veterans of the hobby. I've spent the better part of the last decade focusing increasingly on fittings. Sword knowledge is just so-so.

 

My first though: yes, yes, yes .... leave the patina on tangs and fittings alone until you've been at it a long while. Especially on tangs. I wish Darcy were around to talk on that. He is a much better teacher than I am on that sort of topic. A cared for tang will have gone through controlled oxidation over centuries. Distinctly worlds different looking and feeling on an 800 year old blade than on a 100 year old blade, even if the blade is so out of polish or otherwise gone.

Tangs can be doctored to look older than they are.... but that is entirely a different chapter on forensics.

 

Question of sustaining a new polish- geez, that is a devil of a question even for the oldtimers. The construction of the blade can depend on age, school, and subschool. Hizen blades are notoriously thin skinned and even though maybe only 300 years old, be at serious risk of core coming through. On the other hand, some 700 year old Bizen blades seem to take polish after polish until the hamon is very thin.

 

Much of this I think you are going to need talk with people in person. Even then, get 5 or more opinions and try and find your way through. You need to find if there is a Boston area club still active. Otherwise, you may want to try and get involved with the New York club. Most of my hands on knowledge comes from their lectures and years of attending the Tampa / San Fran shows.

 

Post images. I can probably help with fittings. The swords are a bit more difficult to do through online images, and others here are probably going to be wiser than me about them.

 

Curran

[Paul Martin]

Dear Ed,

 

Please go to the Boston Museum of Fine arts. Speak to a curator named Joe Earle. He should put you in contact with Morihiro Ogawa, a former staff member of the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Arts Swords (NBTHK, Japanese sword museum) in Japan and a direct student of Kanzan Sato. Ogawa sensei visits Boston on a semi-regular basis.

 

Best

[Curran]

Yes, I thought of that too.

I have found Mr. Earle difficult to reach. Maybe Ed will have better luck.

 

Anyone know if the Boston study group is still active?

Ed, you may want to start a separate thread trying to get in touch with the Boston Group.

 

Good luck.