red lacquer in the bo-hi

[Jim P]

I was sent this today how common is red lacquer in the bo-hi on old koto blades and is there a practical purpose or is just cosmetic thanks, Jim

the link (http://www.nipponto.co.jp/swords/KT116095.htm)

[Grey Doffin]

This is more common on naginata than on swords. My guess on this piece is that the lacquer was added to disguise a defect inside the hi. If not for that then it is cosmetic (flash); not much practical reason to add the lacquer.

Grey

[jason_mazzy]

I had heard from a polisher, the laquer protects the hi from damage, as it is hard to repair or polish the inside of the hi.

[sanjuro]

Red lacquer is most often found as Grey has already suggested on naginata, where it is considered to be traditional. It is also found occasionally on swords that have been dedicated to a shrine. There is no practical reason to have red lacquer in a bo hi, it merely provides a bit of flash. As for it protecting the bo hi from damage , I find that very hard to believe unless it came from a reliable source such as a polisher trained in Japan. Even so, it is more likely to have been applied to hide some defect in the bo hi. When a bo hi is cut it often exposes faults deeper in the steel. Be careful! I have seen nasty things come to light when lacquer is removed from an otherwise clean looking blade.

[Jim P]

Thanks guys I to thought it may hide faults, and thinking about what Keith said. it may be a nasty shock if you lift it off. Its one of the few I have seen on a sword. but not this old. Jim

[loui]

The lacquering could be several different colors, placed there by the smith in his taste, the person who ordered the sword may have wanted the lacquer as well. Some say to cover flaws but as you can see there are many flaws in swords that aren't covered so who is to say for sure. I have removed lacquer and found no flaws on naginata, yari and swords.

 

And to qualify the above info came from a "trained" polisher in Japan.

 

This yari has a lacquered groove and neck, neither were flawed it was just the taste of the smith probably. Scroll to the bottom to see the original lacquer.

 

http://www.japaneseswordcollector.com/nao/nao1.html

 

 

Regards.

 

Louis

[drbvac]

Nice job Louis - did u apply the lacquer ?

[cabowen]

It is easier to lacquer the inside of the hi than to polish it. It is most often seen on yari and naginata, and lesser quality ones in general. From what I have been told by Japanese polishers, it was a cost and time saving measure. Additionally, it has been used to hide flaws on occasion....

[loui]

In days of old when blades were mass produced, especially yari and naginata it would have been quicker to lacquer the hi, but the process is still time consuming, and although most yari and naginata are of poorer quality many fine examples of both exist - and with lacquer work. I have seen newly made yari that have lacquered grooves, more for the taste of the smith than speedy completion, with todays techniques used for polishing a groove the time difference is minimal and lacquering properly takes time and effort. Easier to lacquer the hi than polish?? Not in all circumstances. Easier to hide a flaw - yes.

 

Yes Brian I lacquered the neck and groove - pretty tricky business.

 

Louis

[Ted Tenold]

These are all good reasons for lacquering, and there's no singular reason for lacquering them. It simply cannot be catagorized that way. I'd also offer that there is a juncture between hiding a flaw and covering one; lacquering the hi will provide an environmental barrier that polishing will not. A flawed weapon is still a useable weapon which was a very expensive and labor intensive one. Large or running ware are a place for moisture (water or blood borne) to intrude. Polishing and burnishing them will provide less protection against this factor than just sealing them with lacquer.

 

So, lacquering seals, covers, and protects.

 

Just my thoughts.

[loui]

Hi Ted, that is reasonable, we can see the lacquering of ware and large blisters even today by polishers, a little unsightly but better than the alternative.

 

Louis