Evaluating a Ko-Mihara Juyo

[Sukaira]

Considering acquiring this piece: https://www.aoijapan.com/katana：-mumei-ko-mihara38th-nbthk-juyo-token/

 

Wanted to get some seasoned thoughts on it, from others familiar with Mihara and Juyo.

 

Included some images below - thanks

[Sukaira]

[Sukaira]

[Sukaira]

[Sukaira]

[Sukaira]

Alternatively, looking at this: https://world-seiyudo.com/product/ka-080125/

[Natichu]

Very interested to see what the more experienced members think, but just on their face they seem quite different pieces, while both gorgeous. A large and wide Enbun-Joji sugata Yamato style katana vs a rather elegant katateuchi-seeming Bizen blade (at least to my beginner eye, given its short length, narrow width, and shorter nakago). I like them both, but would enjoy hearing what draws you to each of them. 

[Sukaira]

Quite right! They both appeal to me in different ways. I would love to own a Yasumitsu as Bizen is probably my favorite tradition overall. The nie utsuri is beautiful and the piece overall is quite elegant as you said. I am a sucker for shorter katanas for some reason. It seems like it might be machiokuri though. On the flip side I also have 2 late Kamakura / early Nanbokucho Yamashiro blades that are quite slender and elegant and I think for the period the size and shape of this Ko-Mihara is, well, quite awesome . Not to mention it seems in very good condition.

[Rawa]

2 hours ago, Sukaira said:

Alternatively, looking at this: https://world-seiyudo.com/product/ka-080125/

Shorty.

[Rawa]

2 hours ago, Sukaira said:

Considering acquiring this piece: https://www.aoijapan.com/katana：-mumei-ko-mihara38th-nbthk-juyo-token/

 

Wanted to get some seasoned thoughts on it, from others familiar with Mihara and Juyo.

 

Included some images below - thanks

It’s on hold currently. But considering both pieces thats the one.

Edited Friday at 04:21 AM by Rawa

[Sukaira]

Guess who’s holding it 

 

I wanted to make a last minute post here just in case anyone caught something that might make me reconsider!

Edited Friday at 04:48 AM by Sukaira

[Rawa]

3 hours ago, Sukaira said:

Guess who’s holding it 

 

I wanted to make a last minute post here just in case anyone caught something that might make me reconsider!

You made good decision

[Jacques]

It's your money, it's your responsibility, no one has any advice to give you.

[Shugyosha]

Hi Sky,

The only thing I would mention re the ko Mihara blade is that Aoi’s oshigata hints at utsuri but I can’t see it mentioned in the setsumei (but I’m on my phone and am prone to errors) so that might be something to look at if it might be significant for you. 

[ROKUJURO]

3 hours ago, Jacques said:

It's your money, it's your responsibility, no one has any advice to give you.

Jacques,

I had the impression that Sky just asked for opinions of knowledgeable collectors.....

[atm]

I recommend asking Aoi to arrange a sayagaki from Tanobe sensei while you wait for the export to be approved. It is a nice sword, and adding a sayagaki would be a great addition.

[Scogg]

Personally, I like the Mihara. That's because it aligns with my personal tastes.

My take might be less popular, but I think it’s better to lean into what truly resonates with you rather than chasing something just because it fits a certain period, size, or style. If Bizen work really speaks to you, especially Yasumitsu, that’s probably where your focus should be. The overall style of the Yasumitsu will be pretty different then the Ko-Mihara and your other blades. If what draws you to the Ko-Mihara is mainly its size and shape rather than the workmanship itself, it might be worth letting your appreciation for Bizen craftsmanship guide you. 

In the end, following what genuinely appeals to you usually leads to the most satisfying collection.
Both blades must be speaking to you in no small way, if you're considering a purchase; so maybe there is no wrong choice between two nice looking swords.

Best of luck and nice swords!
-Sam

[Sukaira]

1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said:

Jacques,

I had the impression that Sky just asked for opinions of knowledgeable collectors.....

 Yes, I was under the impression that was one of the benefits of such a forum but maybe Jacques is here for other reasons

[Sukaira]

4 hours ago, Shugyosha said:

Hi Sky,

The only thing I would mention re the ko Mihara blade is that Aoi’s oshigata hints at utsuri but I can’t see it mentioned in the setsumei (but I’m on my phone and am prone to errors) so that might be something to look at if it might be significant for you. 

Yeah the description from Aoi and the oshigata both tell/show utsuri. So those images I posted are stills from a video and I do see it in the video. Here is an image I think shows it better, check the area running parallel to the bohi that matches the oshigata. I think the setsumei does actually mention it, near the bottom right side: "僅かに白気映り立つ"

[Lewis B]

7 minutes ago, Sukaira said:

Yeah the description from Aoi and the oshigata both tell/show utsuri. So those images I posted are stills from a video and I do see it in the video. Here is an image I think shows it better, check the area running parallel to the bohi that matches the oshigata. I think the setsumei does actually mention it, near the bottom right side: "僅かに白気映り立つ"

Bo utsuri?

[Sukaira]

2 hours ago, atm said:

I recommend asking Aoi to arrange a sayagaki from Tanobe sensei while you wait for the export to be approved. It is a nice sword, and adding a sayagaki would be a great addition.

Oh yeah that is a great idea

[Sukaira]

2 hours ago, Scogg said:

Personally, I like the Mihara. That's because it aligns with my personal tastes.

My take might be less popular, but I think it’s better to lean into what truly resonates with you rather than chasing something just because it fits a certain period, size, or style. If Bizen work really speaks to you, especially Yasumitsu, that’s probably where your focus should be. The overall style of the Yasumitsu will be pretty different then the Ko-Mihara and your other blades. If what draws you to the Ko-Mihara is mainly its size and shape rather than the workmanship itself, it might be worth letting your appreciation for Bizen craftsmanship guide you. 

In the end, following what genuinely appeals to you usually leads to the most satisfying collection.
Both blades must be speaking to you in no small way, if you're considering a purchase; so maybe there is no wrong choice between two nice looking swords.

Best of luck and nice swords!
-Sam

Good advice no doubt! Indeed both are calling me for different reasons so this one is tough.

[Sukaira]

54 minutes ago, Lewis B said:

Bo utsuri?

I think so, but looking at the oshigata it is a bit scattered so others might have a better idea or experience with what that means

Edited Friday at 04:16 PM by Sukaira

[Jussi Ekholm]

To me these both seem to be very good swords. This is just a personal opinion but in my eyes the Yasumitsu is the better sword in overall but I would go for the Ko-Mihara.

 

As many might know my love for ōdachi it is funny that there are wonderful ōdachi by these smiths. Well the Ko-Mihara ōdachi is by Masaie (signed) so specific work instead of school work. What is also funny is that they are pretty close in size to each other. The Masaie ōdachi is in the collection of Yasukuni jinja and the Yasumitsu ōdachi is in the collection of Futarasan jinja. In overall usually I like Yasumitsu work style a lot more than I like Mihara work. However unfortunately the Futarasan jinja Yasumitsu is not in as pristine condition as the Yasukuni jinja Masaie, out of those two the Mihara ōdachi is more to my liking in overall, and it is of extremely high quality craftmanship. Also the Nagoya Tōken World has absolutely stunning Ko-Mihara Masahiro blade that in my eyes is a lot better than lot of the swords by "higher valued" smiths at Tōken World museum. So battle of my favorite swords by these smiths go to Mihara, however I have huge appreciation for Morimitsu & Yasumitsu in my opinion both are top tier smiths and I have seen stunning work by both and in general I like them more than Mihara smiths.

[Sukaira]

52 minutes ago, Jussi Ekholm said:

To me these both seem to be very good swords. This is just a personal opinion but in my eyes the Yasumitsu is the better sword in overall but I would go for the Ko-Mihara.

 

As many might know my love for ōdachi it is funny that there are wonderful ōdachi by these smiths. Well the Ko-Mihara ōdachi is by Masaie (signed) so specific work instead of school work. What is also funny is that they are pretty close in size to each other. The Masaie ōdachi is in the collection of Yasukuni jinja and the Yasumitsu ōdachi is in the collection of Futarasan jinja. In overall usually I like Yasumitsu work style a lot more than I like Mihara work. However unfortunately the Futarasan jinja Yasumitsu is not in as pristine condition as the Yasukuni jinja Masaie, out of those two the Mihara ōdachi is more to my liking in overall, and it is of extremely high quality craftmanship. Also the Nagoya Tōken World has absolutely stunning Ko-Mihara Masahiro blade that in my eyes is a lot better than lot of the swords by "higher valued" smiths at Tōken World museum. So battle of my favorite swords by these smiths go to Mihara, however I have huge appreciation for Morimitsu & Yasumitsu in my opinion both are top tier smiths and I have seen stunning work by both and in general I like them more than Mihara smiths.

You also understand the dilemma here!  This sounds much like my inner dialogue looking over both of these blades.

[Hoshi]

Hi Sukaira, 

 

It’s a well forged Ko-Minara blade. In the grand scheme of Nihonto, the school is considered provincial, as can be seen in its characteristic “rustic” jihada, and this is a low ranking Juyo blade, all else considered.
 

Juyo Ko-Mihara mumei blades are plentiful. 
 

Seasoned collectors do not seek out these blades. For this crowd, if there is interest in Ko-Mihara, at all, It is preferable to find a signed blade from this school, or at least - one attributed to a specific master, Masaie or Masahiro come to mind. While this advice may seem curious today, but given time, you’ll come to appreciate it, as I have. 
 

Now does this mean the blade is “bad” ? Not at all. It is a remarkably good example of the Ko-Mihara school. However, it is good in the context of the Ko-Mihara school, as it has outcompeted other Ko-Mihara blades in a given session. 
 

As others have said, at the end what matters is that it speaks to the you - but don’t neglect “future” you. If you maintain your interest in learning in this field, this particular sword will be less interesting to future you than current you. 

At this price point, you have many options, a very interesting place in terms of possibilities for “future” you. 
 

The biggest mistake you can make is to “buy too much too quickly” in this field. You need to give yourself time to grow. 
 

I hope this help,

 

-Hoshi 

[Jacques]

Quote

I had the impression that Sky just asked for opinions of knowledgeable collectors

Who ?

[ROKUJURO]

Jacques,

don't look so much at the possibly lacking competence of others! I know you are very knowledgeable in this field, so your opinion might be especially valuable to us! 

[Sukaira]

21 hours ago, Hoshi said:

Hi Sukaira, 

 

It’s a well forged Ko-Minara blade. In the grand scheme of Nihonto, the school is considered provincial, as can be seen in its characteristic “rustic” jihada, and this is a low ranking Juyo blade, all else considered.
 

Juyo Ko-Mihara mumei blades are plentiful. 
 

Seasoned collectors do not seek out these blades. For this crowd, if there is interest in Ko-Mihara, at all, It is preferable to find a signed blade from this school, or at least - one attributed to a specific master, Masaie or Masahiro come to mind. While this advice may seem curious today, but given time, you’ll come to appreciate it, as I have. 
 

Now does this mean the blade is “bad” ? Not at all. It is a remarkably good example of the Ko-Mihara school. However, it is good in the context of the Ko-Mihara school, as it has outcompeted other Ko-Mihara blades in a given session. 
 

As others have said, at the end what matters is that it speaks to the you - but don’t neglect “future” you. If you maintain your interest in learning in this field, this particular sword will be less interesting to future you than current you. 

At this price point, you have many options, a very interesting place in terms of possibilities for “future” you. 
 

The biggest mistake you can make is to “buy too much too quickly” in this field. You need to give yourself time to grow. 
 

I hope this help,

 

-Hoshi 

That is good advice Hoshi. What would you recommend at this price point as alternatives?

[Sukaira]

Thanks to everyone who contributed in here. As a final update, after carefully considering everything said here, I have put in an order for a different blade that I have been eyeing for a while.

 

A Gorozaemon-no-jo Kiyomitsu masterpiece, fully signed, dated (1537) and ubu, with all the workmanship and style I was looking for.
 

@Scogg and @Hoshi special thanks for your posts.

Edited 9 hours ago by Sukaira