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Shozui, founder of the Hamano school. FK signed Otsuryuken Shozui , Mandarin duck and reed . Hakogaki by Torigoye Sensei , published "Toso Soran"

Correct.

The third work I have by Kobayashi Taigen is his version of Yamaoka Tesshu's Mount Fuji, which is his account of his own enlightenment experience. Comparing the images in all three, his brush style becomes quite evident. Here his calligraphy style is looser, perhaps gently influenced by Yamaoka's highly idiosyncratic cursive script. Fuji is written here as "not two," a play on words that is intended to indicate the absence of dichotomy that characterizes the state of enlightenment. The Tao/Universal Principle/Regenerative Tissue from which all phenomena of the world arise and return--is eternal and unchanging. Perfect when clear, Perfect when cloudy, Mount Fuji's, Original form, Never changes

正真甲伏鍛 中根行宗 作 Nakane Yukimune

I have got a Fuchi that has been modified by a previous owner. But I still think there's a chance to translate. It's a pretty nice Fuchi! And high quality as far as I can see.

Thank you all very much for your insights. In conclusion I can assume this is a traditionally made antique Tsuba made from Shakudo? In your opinion, what would be an acceptable price range for this piece?

Ippei Yasuyo is a big name of Satsuma. Unfortunately this sword is gimei.

If this is somehow not sold in a few weeks I'm going to need to fight the urge not to splurge GLWTS!!!

Also it’s worth knowing that nowadays one of the more commonly used methods to restore gilding on Japanese metalwork (including tsuba) is not done by amalgam nor by zogan (of any type) nor by foiling or leading, ….it is done using modern masking fluids and electrolysis whereby immersion in the gold plating fluid deposits gold on the exposed areas ie it is electroplating. Modern masking fluids can facilitate very precise plating and different colours of gold are available. The skill lies in the base preparation and the precision of the masking. This is where these overflows and “bleeds” can occur. In the past I have had tired shakudo tsuba both repatinated and then re gilded in worn areas by someone who knew what he was doing. When done well it is virtually impossible to tell it from gold butter gilding. When done badly or carelessly the results can look like the tsuba in question. But anyway, it may be totally original but simply not the best quality.

Shozui - signature and quality

Simply looking at the quality, imo this is not made by any “master” let alone a highly rated one. The workmanship is very basic…..and that’s being kind.

Great question. I have a piece too, but feel the need to reserve final judgement.

Hi everyone, I’ve recently come across this kozuka and would love to get your thoughts on it. It’s a composite piece with a bottom plate made of a copper alloy. The piece is signed Otsuryuken Shozui (乙柳軒政随). As we know, he was a key figure and one of the founders of the Hamano branch of the Nara school. I have my doubts regarding the signature though. I haven't been able to find any exact matches for this particular mei in my references. I suspect it might be gimei, or perhaps the work of a later Hamano master from the late 19th century. The kogatana is also signed. What is your take on this piece? Do you think it has a chance of being authentic, or is it more likely a fake? Any insights would be greatly appreciated

昭和二十年二 – Showa 20th year (1945), 2 The last “2” must be folloed by month and day which are not taken in the picture.

Hello all Can anyone please tell me what this mei date is? Thx Suci

Thank you to all, really; it is much more than I had hoped for.

Bruce, wow, my absolute pleasure to post something that creates such interest in tangents.

Appreciate the link, and Kapp's work. I own a disintegrating loose-leaf set of the Newsletters and it's very good to see it being digitized for posterity and easy access (the ability to do a search will be a godsend once the whole thing is complete).

Posting this as I think there are guys who will appreciate the info. From the Sacramento Newsletter: "Hello members and friends, Happy New Year all, we hope your 2026 has started off well!! Stay healthy and safe this year!!! Leon Kapp has completed the latest chapter update on the Albert Yamanaka Nihonto Newsletter Series Volume 4 Newsletter 06. Here is the link to this update: Link to Article attached below Leon says this issue has a lot about important Shinto smiths and a year of the Tokugawa Jikki with lots of swords being exchanged. Please enjoy the read!! YAMANAKA V4 NL06.docx.pdf

You'll also need to lay out your sale page with the following info. You may not know all the items, that's Ok, or not all the items will apply. I believe your blade was made by Masahiro. Have you had it translated? Type (Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Other) : Ubu, Suriage or O-Suriage : Mei : (Mumei, Signature) : Papered or not and by whom? : Era/Age : Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? : Nagasa/Blade Length : Sori : Hamon Type : Jihada : Other Hataraki Visible : Flaws : Sword Location : Will ship to : Payment Methods Accepted : Price and Currency : Other Info and Full Description :

I found this one, Thomas, but it only has the registration/kabuse stamp. I don't see the Shingane iri stamp. So far, I've found 8 Kaneshige with the registration stamp and no Shigane iri stamp. I'm still in the search, but so far I've only found the Shigane iri stamp on Masafusa (4) and that one Kunimichi.

How do you edit the post i have turned then around

Chris, my immediate thought is Tada 忠

@Julien All good! No malice assumed from me! I actually ended up going into a bit of a deep dive since I was last on here to see if I could find out more! Between that and getting super busy at work, I kinda ended up putting my nose straight to the grindstone and everything else fell off my radar! -Connor

OK, I can go along with that. I will add Kaneyoshi 兼吉 to my list.