Question regarding NBTHK / NTHK Shinsa

[James]

Hello all

 

I have a question about the NBTHK / NTHK and their Shinsa.

 

If a sword that has been submitted for Shinsa is found to have a fatal flaw, is it immediately disregarded as a candidate for a certificate e.g. Hozon?

 

I would think that this would be right but what if, for example, a sword by a famous smith is submitted for papers and is found to be sho-shin but it has a hagire? Would it then fail Shinsa?

[nagamaki - Franco]

There are some, very few, instances in which fatal flaws are acceptable, but this will need to be determined by the shinsa team. If not mistaken, the flaw will have had to have been a result of fatigue (time), rather than failure (catastrophic) due to forging.

[paulb]

James,

I think it depends on importance and rarity. for example there are Koto Pieces that have lost their boshi that have been given Juyo status and are illustrated in Nihonto Koza. At the other extreme Christies recently auctioned a Kiyomaru with an hagiri which they stated " Under current NBTHK rules this word cannot receive papers" Although I think the blade was authenticated by Tanobe-san.

It used to be said that the NBTHK were more forgiving to historically important pieces than the NTHK. I am not sure this is still (or was ever) the case.

A rough guide, if its koto and reasonable it stands more chance of papering than if its shinto and altered.

regards

Paul

[James]

From what you've said, it sounds like they don't rigidly adhere to a rule that 'no sword that has a fatal flaw will pass shinsa' but rather assess each sword individually and then determine the outcome on a case-by-case basis.