Is there an accepted transition period from Koto to Shinto?

[ububob]

I wondered if there was an accepted time period to allow for the transition from Koto to Shinto? What is the latest date a blade can have and still be considered Koto period piece?

 

 

Bob Hunter

[Henry Stewart]

Hi Bob

 

The Koto period is said to have ended 1530 when the (new) sword (shinto) appeared. I think this is correct.

 

Henry

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Officially, shinto period began in Keicho gannen (1596) but a transitional period from Tensho (1573) to Keicho (Azuchi Momoyama) is generally accepted.

[reinhard]

What is the latest date a blade can have and still be considered Koto period piece?

Bob Hunter

 

I agree with Jacques. Transition from KoTo to ShinTo did not take place from one day to another. Transitional period was Tensho to Keicho era. Development of swordmaking cannot be linked to history alone. Division between KoTo and ShinTo cannot be settled at a particular year.

 

reinhard

[Brian]

I agree with Jacques.....

Ok..now I am quite convinced the world is coming to an end. :lol:

 

Kidding. And good info. Nothing in the Nihonto field fits into neat little boxes. It is not like they said "Ok..from tomorrow we will start a swordmaking revival and start making them differently"

 

Brian

[ububob]

Exactly Brian. That's why I asked. Would 15, 20 or more years be acceptable as a transition period? Example: Suppose I have sword made circa 1630 and it is done consistent with one of the old traditions, is it correct to refer to this sword as a Koto period blade or Shinto?

 

Bob

[Jean]

Shinto