Be Grateful

[paulb]

I have a weakness for reading historical fiction. I have often found that I can learn more and concentrate more when historical incidents are woven in to a story than when presented as naked facts. Recently I have dipped back in to a series of Novels tracing the rise of the Mongol empire. This morning when reading about the first stages of Genghis Khan's invasion of what is now Iran I was reminded that while these events were happening a Smith in Japan was forging a blade I have had the chance to study in hand and in great detail.

The blade in question is now about 800 years old. When looking at it it is almost impossible to believe that it could have lasted so long and remained in such good condition. However this is not unique. In this field we are constantly shown blades that have survived through major world events, the rise and fall of empires and numerous attempts of mankind to destroy itself. And yet here they are as Cameron Stone described them "The nearest thing to perfection made by human hand"

I think we see so many fine works spanning the centuries that we (I) risk becoming a little complacent and start taking what we are looking at for granted. Occasionally we need to stop and take a reality check and just appreciate how luck we are to be involved in a subject that offers such a wealth of artefacts to study and enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

[Soshin]

I couldn't agree more. Being grateful and content that your collection contains a few nice historical treasures is something important to have for collecting long term in this hobby. Thank you for sharing wonderful photos of your sword and emphasizing such a crucial point.  

[drbvac]

Truth for certain when you think of all the "stuff" made now that has a built in obsolesence. Most appliances, washers, dryers, refrigerators with all the hi-tech and costing thousands of dollars will work and be around for about 5-10 years. Cars are gone in a heartbeat - yet a forged pile of iron ore has a finish like glass and will cut like nothing else is still as made 800 years ago. It is a testament to the care that generations of people have put into keeping it so and I am proud to be one of them !

[Nihonto Chicken]

Okay, I'll ask.  What smith/school?  I'm particularly attracted to the koitame/komokume/konuka/nashiji/chirimen/hizen/whatever-it-is hada. 

[Brian]

I'd call it excellent nashiji hada. But am open to correction.

[paulb]

@Nihonto Chicken The blade is mumei but attributed to the Awataguchi Smith Norikuni. You can read about it in more detail in the article linked below:

 

http://www.militaria...rticles/Norikuni.pdf

 

@Brian you are correct this is classic nashiji hada. It's a real pain to photograph, or even see until you get your eyes in tune with what's there but to my mind probably the best there is

[Bugyotsuji]

Gold cups and torques will last for thousands of years buried in the soil. Independent.
 

A Japanese sword is a testament to the knowledge, artistic ability and experience of the smith, yes, absolutely, but also to the generations of guardians, keeping it pristine above ground, when one small slip could ruin it forever. A present living miracle…

 

Thank you for this insight, Paul.