Info Needed on Koto Sword & translation of Fujishiro Paper

I am posting JPEGS on a sword that I own in the hope that I can gather more information about it. It is Mumei, has a 30” cutting edge, in good bright polish, and overall good condition. I believe the maker is MoriTaka (Hawley’s Number MOR 880), however, I do not read Japanese well and do not know which MoriTaka in Hawleys or the full translation of this paper by Fujishiro. (if this is a personal origami or a ranking of the swordsmith by Fujishiro). When all is said and done, I am just glad to have one of the swords that Fujishiro issued a paper. Any assistance, and opinions as to time period, swordsmith, general quality of the blade would be welcomed & appreciated.

Edward G

Ed,

Not being well versed in Japanese but still holding a great admiration for beauty I must say that this a beautiful sword with a very handsome grain pattern and blade shape. Good luck with the translation.

Steve M.

FWIW, naginata/nagamaki naoshi; am guessing time wise early nambokucho/late kamakura; according to Mr. Tanobe the reshaped nakago jiri indicates a blade that was shortened during the koto period; Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Franco for your comments, any other opinions anyone wishes to share with me?

The living national treasure polisher and professional kantei ka Fujishiro Matsuo, who clearly handled this blade, declares it to be a Tensho era work by Kongohyoe Moritaka. Highly doubtful you are going to get a more accurate opinion from amateurs on this board who can only see a group of photos...

Thank You Chris for your clarity, no doubt you are very correct, I too respect the person who wrote this paper.... I was only seeking information and a more complete translation. I am in total agreement with you, and now I know more of what was written on the paper, that I could not translate.

The rest of the paper, as I have answered elsewhere, is just the dimensions and description of the sword....length, etc....

This group has a long history. I am sure you will be able to find quite a bit of info...

Hope that is of some help.....

Chris, does the paper id this sword as naginata/nagamaki/suriage/o suriage/ubu ?

Chris, does the paper id this sword as naginata/nagamaki/suriage/o suriage/ubu ?

It is listed as shobu-zukuri. There is no mention of any suriage which would have me assume it is ubu....

thank you. Time to study these images some more, once again, there is always that question of is it real, meaning original and old, old, or is it just a good later copy of an old sword.

Beautiful blade. To me, it looks like it was always intended to be a shobuzukuri katana.

There is no mention of any suriage which would have me assume it is ubu....

"look before leaping" , yes, nothing hear suggests otherwise.

Many Thnks to all who gave input on this. Special Thanks to Chris, Steven M. Franco, and Tsugio Kawakami. I have a better understanding because of your willigness to make posts.

Thank You

Edward G