N.T.H.K.
UK Shinsa – 1st and 2nd November 2008
This was the second N.T.H.K shinsa to
be held in England and I have been involved in both. The first one, some five
years ago, was accompanied by no small amount of animosity. This one, however,
was a completely different, being a relaxed and well run affair. Of course, as
is always the case, there were those that disagreed with the results. This is
almost guaranteed to happen, but to quote another long time collector, “you
pay your money and you take your chances!”
The
deliberations of the shinsa team
The shinsa team worked very hard on
many of the blades that were in poor condition, often having to leave their
seats to move to better lit positions. In some cases they found it necessary to
re-clean blades with uichiko. This was despite the fact that clients were
informed that if the surface condition was poor, this would effect the judges
ability to make a decision. Kawakami san, a third generation polisher and
student of Yoshikawa sensei, drew some 50 oshigata on Saturday morning alone.
The whole event went very smoothly
even to the point of late entries being accommodated. Two British polishers were
complimented on their work, but during the two days, I believe there were
negative comments on the amount of swords that had been subjected to acid! I was
also greatly surprised that the time allocated for interactive periods, between
the collectors and shinsa panel, was really not taken full advantage of. I fully
expected these periods to over-run as I thought many would wish to take
advantage of these gentlemen’s knowledge and the translation facilities
available. I expected these sessions would be chaotic
but had little or no time to chat myself, as those on the “team” were
too busy handling and processing the swords.
During the breaks I found myself very
busy answering questions on many aspects of the shinsa, as well as taking the
opportunity of catching up with old friends. I think I was not alone in this and
the rest of the team were similarly occupied. Those that grasped the opportunity
to discuss the results with Gordon Robson, were full of praise for it.
Kawakami
san drawing the oshigata
Of course Gordon Robson spoke for the
judges when called upon and I believe nobody left the room without speaking to
him. If he was asked by a collector, Mike the “returner”, often clarified
things put onto the appraisal paper with Gordon and returned it to the owner,
usually with a satisfying answer.
As with all shinsa, it was impossible
to give everyone the judgement that they desire. I, along with others, had some
surprising, and in some cases, controversial judgements passed down. In the
past, I have also submitted swords to N.B.T.H.K shinsa and have been surprised
by the results. However, after further study and guidance from the information
received, I admit that I am often able to see how the conclusions are arrived
at. In this way it is possible that more will be learned from failed shinsa than
simply reaffirmation of your opinion when passing shinsa!
There were a considerable number of
members from our Society present, along with a similar amount from the Northern
To-ken and so I hope members from both the north and south will write up their
experiences and opinions of this important event. Finally our grateful thanks
must go to Graham and Margaret Curtis, without whose work, this shinsa could not
have happened.
Tony Norman.