NTHK Papered Mantetsu

[BruceP]

We've all heard the stories, but here's a real one!

I'll post the link when I can get my tablet to copy/paste, but it can be found on NMB, "Koa Isshin with Nthk papers"

[BruceP]

Thanks to Guy, the rating given on this is:

鑑定書
Kanteisho

Which is: “This is the second highest and more commonly seen origami certificate from the NTHK-NPO that offers a generous amount of information on the sword’s characteristics. The certificate will be issued for swords of considerable quality in which the mei (signature) is authentic OR in the case that if sword is mumei (unsigned), the judges will offer their opinion on who the smith or school was that forged the blade.”

[Stu W]

Just for info ...

N.T.H.K. (Nihon Token Hozon Kai)

Formally translated as “The Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword”. Established in 1910 during the Meiji Period. N.T.H.K shinsa are held in the U.S. in conjunction with sword shows. After the death of the late Yoshikawa-sensei the organization split into two, the second being the N.T.H.K - NPO. The N.T.H.K sword ratings are:

SHINTEISHO - "Genuine Work" / 60-69 points
KANTEISHO - "Important Work" / 70-84 points
YUSHU SAKU - "Very Important Work" / 85-94 points
SAI YUSHU SAKU - "Special Important Work" / 95-100 points
*Only Yushu saku & Sai Yushu saku are issued in Japan. Items graded higher than 80 points are recommend for shinsa in Japan.



N.T.H.K. (Nihon Token Hozon Kai) N.P.O

The N.T.H.K. NPO (Nihon Token Hozon Kai) also issues origami. N.T.H.K shinsa are held in the U.S. in conjunction with sword shows. The N.T.H.K sword ratings are:

SHINTEISHO - "Genuine Work" / 60-69 points
KANTEISHO - "Important Work" / 70-79 points
Kanteisho with 80 + points is eligible for the yearly Yushu shinsa held only in Japan.
YUSHU SAKU - "Very Important Work" / 80 + points

[Beater]

Oh dear. Another feeding frenzy for the dealers.

Strange that this news has taken five years (papers dated 2014) to surface. You have to wonder why those who knew of this result have been so slow to inform the rest of the collecting community?

Could this represent one of the Koa Isshin category of blades allegedly made at a competition at the Yasukuni Shrine? Or, does this mean all Koa Isshin blades can now be considered Nihontō? This needs elaborating as it opens many doors if swords made outside Japan from non-tamahagane, utilising mechanical processes are now seemingly eligible.