(b.)Register · Yamashiro · 2023

RAI SCHOOL

Mumei, attributed to the Rai school. Late Kamakura, early 14th century. 70.9 cm, Sashikomi finish.

Move the pointer over the steel
to see the nie catch the lamp

(a.)The record

Measuredand noted

Received: Tired polish, small edge chip at the yokote.

7 weeks on the bench, Sashikomi finish. Before the first stone we photographed both sides, measured the blade and noted every flaw, so the owner can see exactly what changed.

(a.)MeiUnsigned (shortened from a tachi)
(b.)SchoolYamashiro
(c.)PeriodLate Kamakura, early 14th century
(d.)TypeKatana (ō-suriage tachi)
(e.)Nagasa70.9 cm (23.4 sun)
(f.)Sori2.4 cm
(g.)Motohaba2.95 cm
(h.)Sakihaba1.98 cm
(i.)Kasane0.66 cm
(j.)HadaTight ko-itame, fine ji-nie, chikei
(k.)HamonChū-suguha, ko-nie, ko-ashi
(l.)BōshiKo-maru, short return
(m.)Nakago17.2 cm, kiri file marks, 3 holes
(n.)ReceivedTired polish, small edge chip at the yokote
(o.)FinishSashikomi, 7 weeks on the bench

The whole blade of Mumei, attributed to the Rai school with its tang, after polishing.

(b.)Before and after

The samefew centimetres

Before: the steel as received, grey with rust and scratches.

After: the same section polished, hamon and grain visible.

As receivedAfter polish

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(c.)Oshigata

The rubbing

Oshigata of Mumei, attributed to the Rai school: outline and ridges in graphite, the tang rubbed whole, the hamon drawn by hand.

(i.)Hamon. Chū-suguha, ko-nie, ko-ashi.

(ii.)Bōshi. Ko-maru, short return.

(iii.)Grain. Tight ko-itame, fine ji-nie, chikei. The grain is not drawn on an oshigata; it is in the written record.

(iv.)Tang. The tang carries no signature. The attribution rests on the shape, the steel and the hamon.

Rubbing on washi, graphite and pencil, 1:1

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