Era attribution by Sugata?

[SwordGuyJoe]

All,

Understanding that there is more to age attribution than sugata alone, I am trying to improve my ability of attributing a blades age by sugata, but I have a question. I have "...Connoisseur's..." open to page 10 and 11 (the pages with the "Changes in the shape of the Japanese sword" with illustrations from Heian to Late Edo of basic blade sugata. This is very helpful, but it only tells the story. It would be extremely helpful if it also included the nagasa, sori, kissaki, etc. measurements. What are the chances something like that exists?

 

The goal would be to have the ability to date by photo with some additional information. Based solely on "...Connoisseur's..." sugata images, I would call this either Mid-Nanbokucho or Muromachi to Momoyama (Nagasa lengths here would help). What are your thoughts? Nagasa is reported as 27 5/8" and looks to have been suriage around wartime about an inch.

[Jamie]

Paul Martin has a nice small book on Kantei that might help you. It's only like 12 bucks or something. I've found it helpful.

[huntershooter]

Paul Martin's translation of "Facts and Fundamentals..." is also a great help.

I'm finding it as, if not more helpful to my "education" than "Connoisseurs..".

[mdiddy]

Late Muromachi to Momoyama would be my guess.

[SwordGuyJoe]

Late Muromachi to Momoyama would be my guess.

 

I did some more digging and I agree and would lean towards Momoyama. Thanks and the two books are on my 'to buy' list and the "Facts and Fundamentals" book won't be available until September. Hearing you say that it is as, if not more useful that Connoisseur's, makes it an absolute must have! Thanks much guys, I appreciate it!