New tachi, NBTHK shinsa services help

[Corucia]

Folks,

 

I posted this on the general board but wanted to list it here as well as I wasn't sure which board is more appropriate for the question.

 

As some of you might recall, I was hunting for an old tachi last month and appreciated all the feedback/insights that I received from various members of the board. It was a very helpful education as I am still getting my feet wet. Ultimately, I managed to track down and purchase a nice quality unsigned Yamato tachi from the early to mid-Kamakura period. While the tang is unsigned (which I understand is typical for Yamato den), it is ubu nakago and the nagasa is a nice length at 76cm with ~2cm of curvature. The sword is located in Japan and already has NBTHK Hozon paper, which attributed the sword to the Ko-Naminohira school. I included a few pics below for reference.

 

As the sword has received a new polish (and it was out of polish when it was given the Hozon paper), I’d like to have it submitted to NBTHK for Tokubetsu Hozon consideration while it is still in Japan. To this end, I wanted to inquire if folks on the board might have any recommendations for reliable shinsa service providers in Japan who can help out with the process. Any ideas members can provide would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

 

Eric

[Mark]

can the person who has the sword in Japan do it for you? if not i have used both

 

Robert Hughes http://www.keichodo.com/

and

Bob Benson http://www.bushidojapaneseswords.com/

 

and been happy with the service from both

[Corucia]

Mark, many thanks for the contacts. I'm trying to have the individual who has the sword in Japan help out but not sure he will be willing to go through the trouble. If he won't do it, I'll reach out to the two points of contact you suggested. Cheers,

 

Eric

[Ray Singer]

Congratulations Eric, looks as though you did well. I love to see swords of this period with the length intact (even if machi-okuri). Hope you will share photos when the Ko-Naminohira arrives from Japan. In addition to Bob Benson, who was previously mentioned, I have also used Tsuruta-san at Aoi Art. He will assist with shinsa submissions, even for swords not sold through his shop. I would also suggest having Tanobe-san do a sayagaki if it can be arranged through one of these agents.

 

- Ray