NIOI · sword polishing · Leiden
(01) Kongō-dō · removing rust
000

Japanese sword polishing
and records. Leiden, since 2011.

[email protected]
Oude Vest 141, Leiden

Macro view of the polished steel of Mumei, attributed to the Tegai school: Suguha with hotsure and nijūba; Masame throughout, ji-nie.
(d.)Register · Yamato · 2022

TEGAI SCHOOL

Mumei, attributed to the Tegai school. Nanbokuchō, 14th century. 69.4 cm, Sashikomi finish.

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

(a.)The record

Measuredand noted

Received: Heavy rust, blade dark all over.

9 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
  • (b.)SchoolYamato
  • (c.)PeriodNanbokuchō, 14th century
  • (d.)TypeKatana
  • (e.)Nagasa69.4 cm (22.9 sun)
  • (f.)Sori2.2 cm
  • (g.)Motohaba3.00 cm
  • (h.)Sakihaba2.05 cm
  • (i.)Kasane0.78 cm
  • (j.)HadaMasame throughout, ji-nie
  • (k.)HamonSuguha with hotsure and nijūba
  • (l.)BōshiYakizume (no return)
  • (m.)Nakago18.4 cm, higaki file marks, 2 holes
  • (n.)ReceivedHeavy rust, blade dark all over
  • (o.)FinishSashikomi, 9 weeks on the bench
The whole blade of Mumei, attributed to the Tegai 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
‹ ›
(c.)Oshigata

The rubbing

Oshigata of Mumei, attributed to the Tegai school: outline and ridges in graphite, the tang rubbed whole, the hamon drawn by hand.
(i.)Hamon. Suguha with hotsure and nijūba.
(ii.)Bōshi. Yakizume (no return).
(iii.)Grain. Masame throughout, ji-nie. 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