Determining who made Mumei blades?

[bmlusk1911]

I realize "There are no Gai-jin experts," as Col. Hartley stated in his lecture quoted in one of last year's JSSUS newsletters. So, I'm not even hoping to achieve an "expert" level of knowledge.

 

The more I've read the more I wonder, "Can a mumei blade's swordsmith be determined from it's characteristics?" Is it possible to determine from the kissaki and boshi, hamon, yasuri-me, and shape of the nakago who was the most likely swordsmith or at least the most likely school?

 

Since it is possible for a master to sign his name to a student's blade, then doesn't a signature attribute a blade to a "school" moreso than an individual?

 

I just really want a "vector check," to find out if my readings are pointing me in the right direction. Thoughts from the student/scholars and collectors in the crowd?

[cabowen]

"Can a mumei blade's swordsmith be determined from it's characteristics?" Is it possible to determine from the kissaki and boshi, hamon, yasuri-me, and shape of the nakago who was the most likely swordsmith or at least the most likely school?

 

Yes, it is called kantei and it is what a shinsa team, like the one coming to Minneapolis this October, does.....

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Brock,

Yes, it is possible for a mu-mei blade to be attributed, often with a great degree of certainty, to a school and even a particular smith.

Grey

[nagamaki - Franco]

According to the Japanese kantei is the basis for sword appreciation, which is the reason why many serious student/collectors devote a significant amount of time learning and practicing kantei.

[bmlusk1911]

Thanks for the quick responses. Glad to know I'm tracking on what to start looking for once I've learned enough about swords.