NBTHK juyo token index ?

[Wim V]

Gentlemen,

 

I came across a few posts in earlier topics on this board where people speak of the “NBTHK juyo index”. I refer to the following quotes:

 

There are 104 Motoshige Juyo Token in the index, of which 12 are Tokubetsu Juyo. Given that more were probably found since publication, I would hazard a guess at the 110-120 range. Enough to substantiate either a very long work period or two smiths.

 

... There are only 177 Taima swords of all types blades in the NBTHK Juyo Token index, and of these only eight bear an individual's signature. ...

 

I was wondering if this index is available somewhere? I would assume that the NBTHK keeps track of all the certificates they issue by means of some digital bookkeeping, and I think it would be extremely interesting for sword students to have access to the information in this database.

 

So when for example Darcy says there exist 177 Taima blades with juyo status, then I am really interested to know where he got this information?

 

I am asking this because regarding this matter I have a query of personal interest. In the Nihon Toko Jiten by Fujishiro, an oshigata is presented of an apparently ubu Motoshige tachi which is dated Kan’o 3d year 8th month (1352). From another source where this blade is mentioned (Osafune Choshi Token Hen) I know that it has juyo token status, so I would like to read the full description of this sword given in the Juyo Token nado Zufu. One way would be of course to collect all the juyo books and start searching, but since there exist already some 58 issues if I am not mistaken, this is a very demanding (and expensive) mission. Searching in a digital database would in this case be the most convenient way I guess to pinpoint directly to the relevant Juyo Zufu issue.

 

Does anybody know how to have access to this juyo index ?

 

Thanks for any help ,

 

Wim

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Wim,

I have added a few issues (the ones I own) to my index. Motoshige made it into # 3 page 26, 26 pages 193-4, & 50 pages 102-3. Also in Tokubetsu Juyo # 4 page 30, 6 page 33, & 7 page 39.

There is a book form index published by the NBTHK; maybe someone here has the book and can offer better help.

Grey

[Curran]

I have seen a copy of the Index. I remember it to be a large book with lists of entries, but not full information per sword. I do not know if it would indicate which Volume that particular sword is in.

 

I do not know if there is an open digital index. Interesting question, that probably should be addressed to NBTHK directly.

 

I have seen very few copies of this Index. If you find one, buy it. You may even consider writing Darcy and asking about his copy. He travels with work a good bit now. If you are lucky enough to catch him at home, he may be willing to try and locate which volume has the 1352 dated Motoshige in in.

[Wim V]

Thanks for the input Grey and Curran.

 

I will try and contact Darcy to ask him about his copy of the index. I am also thinking of sending my question directly to the NBTHK; being a faithful member for several years maybe they will be willing to let me know in what Juyo Zufu volume I can find the description of the tachi I am looking for .