Report (impressions) UK NTHK Shinsa

[paulb]

Hope it is ok to start this as a new thread but I didnt want to interupt the earlier one with a general comment on the event.

As one of the helpers at this years event my views may be a little biased but I thought I would give members an overall impression of the two day event.

The first and most striking thing was the very friendly and enjoyable atmosphere at the event. Apart from the natural nervousness, and pacing up and down like expectant fathers the vast majority of attendees seemed to be enjoying their waiting time talking to old and new friends and keeping the caffine levels up from the ample supplies of free coffee.

 

I think the NTHK and Graham Curtis in particular did a first rate job in selecting the venue, preparing documnetation and allocating tasks. As a result the event ran smoothly more or less on time (even ahead of schedule at some points) and there were no significant problems.

What was also extremely benficial was the willingness of the Judges to discuss and explain their attributions to anyone who did not understand. While some may still not have agreed at the end of the explanation thay at least understood why the judges came to the view they did

 

With regard to the swords, quality etc I have listed the main points below. I did not see everything come back but I did see every blade that went in and most that were returned. However I may have missed a couple of things.

 

1. Generally the pass rate and quality was much the same as last time. The highest point score was I think 75 for kozori tachi.

2. There were very few main Koto tradition swords. other than the Kozori above I am not aware of any koto Bizen, Yamato or Yamashiro blades going through.

3. Swords were generally newer than we might have hoped with many being dated to 17th/18th century and to the more utillitarian schools. But some of these were very good looking pieces.

4. One dissappointment was the proportion of baldes that at some time in their lives had been trated with acid. Although this did not fail them I am sure it kept their point values down.

 

Overall I think the event was first rate, (although my back after the drive home has other views). I do not belive it could have been better orgainsed or the NTHK team from Japan more helpful and accomodating. Most notable of all was that collectors and students of Japanese swords are really decent people that it is good to spend time with.

I hope all those that submitted swords got at least some of the results they were looking for.

Best Regards

Paulb

[Jean]

Hi Paul,

 

By curiosity, can NTHK Shinsas held abroad can deliver Yushu papers?

[paulb]

Hi Jean,

The honest answer is I dont know. Last time there was one sword that they said if it was repolished would achieve 80 points plus, but that is as close as I have seen.

The highest I know of from the earlier event was 76.

Perhaps the experience in the USa may be different.

regards

Paul

[b.hennick]

Hello:

I have a signed and dated Bungo Masachika katana that earned 78 points at a shinsa in the U.S. As far as I know they have never given 80 points to any blade. I also have daisho koshirae that earned 78 points at a U.S. shinsa. I believe that in the same shinsa a tsuba earned 79 points. Finally as there are two NTHK groups doing shinsa I do not know which group is doing things in England.

[paulb]

Hi Barry,

it is the original NTHK under mr. Yoshikawa.

[nagamaki - Franco]

hi, it used to be (under Yoshikawa sensei), that 83 points was the limit given outside of Japan. I do know of one set of koshirae which did receive that score at a NY show. Anything desiring a higher score had to be sent to Japan. At the same show one sword did cross the 80 point threshold, hmm, 81 pts. or 82 pts. if memory serves, it was an early mainline Koto blade but cannot recall exactly what at this point.

[b.hennick]

Hi

I would suggest that both factions were the "original under Yoshikawa". One faction is overseen by his son. The other is not.

My papers are from the group that is not overseen by his son i.e. NTHK npo. (non-profit organization).

[paulb]

Sorry Barry I did not mean to be obtuse or unclear. The group visiting the UK was the one operating under the current Mr. Yoshikawa (the son)

regards

Paul

[kusunokimasahige]

83 points was the limit given outside of Japan. Anything desiring a higher score had to be sent to Japan.

 

WHY>?

 

a sword is a sword.. what makes it worth more points if it is in Japan or not?

 

KM

[Pete Klein]

As it has been explained to me by the NTHK (Yoshikawa) shinsa team whom I have had the privilege of assisting (photography) they do not paper highest level swords outside of Japan. If you receive 83 points (I believe that is the correct number) it is an invitation to submit the sword for full study and documentation by the organization in Japan. Just as the NBTHK has a special shinsa for Juyo so does the NTHK for Yushu. These matters are taken very seriously and it also allows for the owner to have time to have proper polish done if necessary and arrange transport. It is a matter of protocol. No certifying organization is going to document any artwork without thorough scrutiny and this cannot be accomplished without multiple references and multiple specialists. At this level it's simply not 'just a sword'.

[kusunokimasahige]

Great and thorough explanation! domo arigato!

 

KM

[nagamaki - Franco]

Pete has it correct, research, etc., plus, if I'm not mistaken, in addition to placing their reputation on the line in awarding such high status to a particular piece, they need to be able to demonstrate, legally satisfy, to a Japanese Court of Law their findings.