Lewis B

0-suriage, probably lost 10-15cm. All the pieces of the puzzle point to a shortened katana rather than an uchigatana from moment of manufacture.

According to Nakayama, uchigatana started to appear from around 1429. This blade is Yamato Senjuin (possibly Senjuin Yoshihiro) from late Kamakura, early Nanbokucho. The nakago is over exposed and is much darker in hand. I'll post a pic later this evening.

Definitions seem to overlap so wondering if its more one than the other. My feeling is that uchigatana is more appropriate give the blades slender sugata Nagasa: 62.3cm Sori: 1.3cm Motohaba: 2.57cm Sakihaba: 1.61cm Kasane at the mune: 0.57cm Kasane at the shinogi: 0.72cm Sakikasane: 0.46cm Ko-Kissaki: 2.7cm

Ferric chloride does something similar too. It's often used on Damascus knives to highlight the different steel components. Did it come with papers?

Perhaps the NBTHK will introduce a Juyo Lite or Junior Juyo category. That would fix both scenarios by retaining revenue streams and at the same time preserve the status of historic Juyo papers. It worked with TokuJu.

I have a feeling this is a major contributor.

My Shikkake was submitted last year (2023) and failed. Wondered why the dealer didn't try and resubmit but having seen these results he made the right decision. Pitiful pass rate and easy money for NBTHK.

I was about to make the same comment. Incredibly low pass number. In fact probably the lowest ever in the modern era, beaten only by Juyo #1-4. Some years have had more ToJu passes, a lot more. I wonder if this a continuing trend that started last year which raised many eyebrows. I would think twice before submitting anything unless a dead cert ie ubu, signed Koto in great polish from a major school.

Stylised Inro or incense burner? That what struck me. Whatever it is the piece shows superb workmanship. Are these pieces usually solid gold or gilded?

I saw one of these in person and they are truly spectacular display pieces

Thought something was up. The other one had a Hada

Certainly the sugata has that feel. Much longer blade substantially shortened. Battle damaged and repair is a good reason for its present state.

I would say copper not brass. But overall very unconvincing from what I can see.

Only Hozon. I guess all that Horimono craftsmanship counts for very little. Can't see anything wrong with the blade either.

Does the blade have papers? How was it described by the dealer?

The application is quite artistic though. How was it described?

Due to the inconsistency of the shinogi-ji at the kissaki I would assume there has been a significant repair (shortening) leaving a compromised and deminished boshi on one side. I saw this on a blade that was brought to the Japan Art Expo with clear evidence of previous tip repair.

Nice blade. I almost bought a Sekishu Sadatsuna blade as my first nihonto. Darcy had some amazing images of the blade on Yukindo.com, which made it really appealing. Plus it has a Tameshigiri mark, rare on a Koto blade. Your sword shows similar workmanship. https://katananokura.jp/SHOP/1907-K01.html

That would suggest to me the blade hasn't been overly polished being quite consistent from the Nakago. Certainly a candidate for further consideration re a fresh polish.

Correct. At the munemachi to be precise. And a measurement just in front of the habaki as this is often where the sharpener will start sharpening. Going further towards the nakago and he risks loosening the fitment of the habaki. Yes, I have one as part of my Shikkake's Tensho koshirae, with a wave motif to match the tsuba. It also has that heart shaped design element which I was told is not actually a heart but boars eye (inome) iconography. The inome represents bravery and determination shown an attacker by a provoked boar. They are pretty rare, having only seen a couple.

The Bashin is rather cool. Overall a very handsome setup. What is the motokasane measurement?

Well after some deliberation I bought it. It could be a basket case and the current condition is certainly questionable. But at the very least it'll make for an interesting study piece.

For me personally, I find the Shrine dedications the least interesting inscriptions, especially if made specifically for the offering. As for the Samonji. All that graffitti has ruined the sword but I'm happy to provide a disposal service.

Yes, especially the ones that refer to a specific battle in which the blade excelled. I find these inscriptions with attributions, fascinating. Ray Singer had a great example a few months ago. It was a Tametsugu and I'll add the precise quote later. Lets just say someone lost their head Exact inscription "At the summer battle at Osaka Castle in Sesshu province Mizawa Magozaemon no jo "Took a head in a fierce battle"." That doubles the price for me