Heian / Kamakura Period Question

[Drips]

Evening all,

Just wondering the cost and or fesability to find a damaged/rusted Heian/Kamaura period Katana?

My collecting goal is very novice at this stage and it is the obtain a blade from each major period, regardless of damage.

Any information would be amazing!
 

 

Kind Regards

Alexander



 

[Jussi Ekholm]

I think it depends what you are willing to accept. Looking for verified signed tachi from Heian you are looking at big bucks even if the condition would be off. Signed (verified) Kamakura tachi by unremarkable smiths occasionally appear for "reasonable" prices.

 

If you are willing to go for shortened and attributed swords then things are more doable, however there is always the uncertainty factor even if the sword would be professionally attributed.

 

Do you have a budget in mind?

 

 

[Paz]

As Jussi said depends on budget. Kamakura and heian do usually command high prices depending on condition. 

 

I may be wrong. But im sure anybody who had a bad condition Kamakura or heian would invested into polish and restoration. Due to their general value and demand. 

 

Regards 

[Rivkin]

This is usually followed by a purchase of end Kamakura Senjuin or Naminohira with a long discussion on how the experts in Japan affirmed its to be Heian... Or if funds are present, than its Ko Hoki.

Reality is, if you are not buying Sanjo Munechika there is very little difference between the earliest Kamakura and Heian. One has to accept the uncertainty.

[Shugyosha]

Hi Alexander, 

I’d work from newer to older. If you start with high quality shin shinto and work backwards you’ll get a feeling for what you’re prepared to tolerate in terms of condition. For me, condition trumps age and (what now look like) strong purposeful blades float my boat and thin and whispy old blades, not so much. Your views, of course, are as valid as mine. 

 

Consequently, a long (ish?) blade with classic Kamakura sugata in good conition really works for me. That is probably the sweet spot in terms of what I like vs what I would ever be prepared to spend. Short of lottery wins etc of course. 
 

Your wallet may be fatter of course…good hunting!