Beauty a matter of perspective?

[Utopianarian]

I saw this online not too long ago. I don’t want to name drop or offend anybody but this was a freshly polished blade requested by a customer by an unnamed Togishi. I believe it was a suriage Muromachi period katana in very bad condition but the customer was insistent despite advice of Togishi. When is a blade too far gone to be seen as an object of beauty or historical significance or money not matter. Maybe Beauty in the eye of the beholder, perspective or lack of knowledge. Here are pictures that were posted online. The owner seemed happy as a clam and proud of the blade. I was confused about that. Am I missing something. Maybe happiness and content of the owner is what is important. What are your thoughts. Here are two pics of the post. If this happens to be a board members sword I mean no offense 

[Alex A]

Some folks can live with issues, some folks cant.

 

Whatever issue a sword has, always looks a hundred times worse in a picture.

 

I own a blade with a missing tip and a few chips, marks. Don't bother me but some would find it horrendous.

[Utopianarian]

I agree with that. I have many blades as well with the like or study pieces if you will. But investing $3000-$4000 for polish. I guess depends

[GeorgeLuucas]

Personally, Im not sure I could draw any conclusions about beauty from these photos. They look poorly focused, and with the oil-droplets, I can't really see anything worth noting

I'm a firm believer that beauty is subjective. But in the world of Nihonto, it's my understanding, that beauty and quality often go hand-in-hand

What makes a sword "beautiful" is up to the eye of the beholder, whereas what makes a sword "quality" seems to be generally agreed upon. The difference is "quality" is learned and recognized over time and study - and I imagine recognition of beauty will naturally follow

For example. I think my out-of-polish swords are beautiful! I really enjoy studying them and appreciating them. I imagine, after a few more years of study and collecting, and seeing more swords, my opinion and tastes will change

Just my observations/opinion

[Alex A]

You have to consider whether removing steel to sort out certain issues is worth it.

 

The polish on the blade i own is very good, why create hassles to sort chips out,?.

 

Doubt the polish could be done as good, without shipping off to a very experienced and expensive polisher.

 

Preserve, when possible.

[Utopianarian]

6 minutes ago, GeorgeLuucas said:

What makes a sword "beautiful" is up to the eye of the beholder, whereas what makes a sword "quality" seems to be generally agreed upon. The difference is "quality" is learned and recognized over time and study - and I imagine recognition of beauty will naturally follow

Very well spoken and agree with that philosophy 

[Bazza]

Then comes Kantei...

 

BaZZa.