Ato bori

[outlier48]

Hi all - I'm seeking input on how common it is to find horimono and bonji that is ato bori. I have a wak (inherited) where it appears this may be the case. The mei of the simth is 利英 - I think Hawley's TOS22 - but, the horimon and bonji were carved by Nobukuni Minamoto (no) Yoshinao in November 1798 - post dating this smith. Any input on this subject may help in my process of identification of the smith. Thanks in advance for the assistance.

 

Charlie

[george trotter]

Hi Charlie,

Firstly, ato bori is quite common. I am no expert, but I have seen bobi and other such carvings that are obviously done after the sword was made, after the sword was shortened, etc etc. Possibly it was done sometimes to alter balance or of course, to hide kitae ware. As for horimono of flowers, dragons etc, it may be done as an appreciation of a good blade, but again, often done to hide flaws.

In your case, it is very very difficult to offer an opinion in the absence of even pictures, but, if the signatures are those people are not gimei, and are who you say, it seems that Toshihide (Tos 22) working at 1784 and the horimomo dated 1798 are quite compatible, as Hawley 's dates are just a guide, and considered by that author to be his peak of career year, so he could conceivably be working decades on either side of 1784.

This is just my opinion on the matter and I haven't seen your sword, but by the sounds of it it could be correct. You are fortunate to have the signatures, dates etc of both the maker and the carver.

Regards,

George Trotter.

[outlier48]

Hi George - thanks for the input on both the ato bori and on Hawley's dating. I am a novice and just beginning to learn many of the "basics".

 

Based on your comments I will carefully examine the blade to see if the carvings were used to try to hide any imperfections. Attached are pics of the horimono and bonji. I am still trying to take good pics of the blade but without any luck.

 

Charlie

[drbvac]

Quite nice and IMHO not to hide any imperfections considering the position and the rest of the blade.

[george trotter]

Charlie,

I agree with Brian, your horimono seem "balanced" and appropriately placed. When used to hide flaws you will often see horimono of bonji or some symbol placed in a "not just right" place, or a strangely twisted shape...this is to hide a crack etc...same with horimono of flowers, dragons etc....just a bit awkward looking. So IMHO yours looks "right".

Regards,

George Trotter