Hello,
I thought I'd share a story. I was this year on honeymoon in Japan, and in between two wonderful moments shared with my wife, I visited sword shops in each of our destinations. I wanted to bring back an immemorial gift for our home, and the Nihonto was the quintessential choice for me. A dream entertained since childhood, finally realized.
Being a neophyte, having browsed just a few of Sesko's excellent compendiums, I set off to let a sword find me, within the constrains of my budget. I never cared much for signature, or attribution, what really mattered for me was the quality of the craft and the story. I saw national treasures, Tokubetsu Juyo swords to crumbling Showatos. And many things in between. I tried my best to hone my aesthetic appreciation, and my understanding of this immense universe.
Finally, having perhaps unbeknownst to me taken advantage of Japanese politeness, I found a shop, specialized in selling swords to other dealers across Japan. The owner was sympathetic to my request, and took off time from his usual, far more profitable business in high volume trading. He arranged to show me swords within the bounds of my constrains. I am very grateful.
I found one that stood out of the crowd amongst those I could afford. A beautiful, flawless blade that was cut-shortened, hence mumei. It feels strong and heavy, its design uncompromising of function. I feel sympathetic to the man who, certainly broke during the hardships of the Tempo era, had it cut to fit the requirements of his time.
Worst, the two of the foremost authorities in Kansei disagreed on who made it. Hon'nami Koson says it is "as Takei Naotane" - and old Shinsa papers (probably local branch) states it is "Unjyu Korekazu". While the former seems dubious, owing to the fabrications and "acts of politeness" of the time, the latter is less questionable, but still remains uncertain due to the scandals that shook the venerable institution of the time. For me, however, it was all the better. A mystery to solve.
I learned later, based on different excerpts from the Books of Sesko and various sources, that both smiths are often confused in Kanteisho. No less that three times did I find passages relating how even seasoned appraisers had been lead astray due to the similarities. The mystery thickens. I studied the common mistakes, and the absence of midare-utsuri comes out in two of them. The blade I purchased, to my untrained eyes, shows no marked shadow of the hamon. No slated hamon, or carvings that often mark - I read - the work of Naotane. Hence I have veered strongly towards Unjyu Korekazu in my judgement.
I do wonder what members of this community think of this sword. Naotane, Korekazu, or does it carry the mark of another maker of more dubious motives? To the best of my abilities, I have compiled some photography. A daunting experience to impress upon pixels the majesty of a Nihonto. But I have tried.
Thank you,
Chris H.
