Mei Placement

[charlie1]

I’m sitting here reading my ysaukuni shrine book. I’m wondering why the mei usually but not always sits above the mekugi ana? I know they are above on Mantetsu also.

 

Thanks

Charlie

[ROKUJURO]

YASUKUNI?

[vajo]

Its different by the Yasukuni-to swordsmith. Everyone was an artist.

[charlie1]

Pardon my spelling yes yasukuni

[Ed Harbulak]

If I recall correctly, I believe Yasukuni smiths were instructed by the IJA to sign with a two character mei, above the mekuki ana on the omote side of the nakago with the date on the ura side. If it was a specially made blade, for example dedication to a temple or a blade the Emperor was going to present as a gift, then there was generally a longer, more detailed mei.

[Ray Singer]

Onkashi-to were distinguished by placement of the mei below the mekugi-ana.

[charlie1]

Thank you for the info! I had a feeling there was a reason.

 

Cheers

Charlie S.

[Ray Singer]

Example of a Yasukuni Onkashi-to.

 

http://www.ricecracker.com/inventory/864_tanto_yasunori/864_tanto_yasunori.html

[Stephen]

Ok i understand Onkashi-to  but most Yasukuni mei are above the ana wasnt that the org question?

 

i owned a Kaneyoshi who signed above, (only pic i have) 

 

Doc used it years ago,

 

regrets selling it to Bill R 

 

 

[Surfson]

Thanks for the information about onkashi-to Ray!