Mumei attributions - dating

[DirkO]

When a mumei blade is papered to a swordsmith's name, does the attribution also date the work in the working span of that smith? Or do they just use the last working name?

 

Let me explain by giving an example:

 

If a mumei blade is attributed to Mutsu no Kami Daido, does this mean that they attribute it as a later work of him, seeing he only changed his name to Daido (or Omichi) after 1569?

If they thought it to be an earlier work, would they have used the attribution Kanemichi?

[NihontoEurope]

Interesting point!

 

I have a blade that is attributed to Hizen Masanaga 1st gen. Masanaga changed his name to Masahiro 1614 (I think, but beside the point). My question have also been; Is this attributed to his early work for some special reason or if not...do they default the first name?

 

I hope to get an answer here as well.

 

/Martin

[paulb]

I think this is an assumption on my part rather than proven fact. As far as I am aware the paper gives the name that is relevent to the period of manufacture. therefore a mumei blade papered to Shodai Tadayoshi would be pre 1624 (doing this from memory so may be some years out ) If it was believed to be after he changed his name it would be papered to Shodai Tadahiro. Likewise It would only be papered to Daido after he was awarded the title that led to the name change. made prior to that would be Kanemichi.

Regards

paul