mecox

RJ, as Jan noted smith is Yoshisada from Gifu Prefecture: “Yoshisada” (義定), real name Ishihara Jō´ichi (石原錠一), he was born in Meiji 32 (1899) August 16. He registered early pre-war as a Seki tosho in Showa 14 (1939) October 25, age 40, so presumably had some experience before then. He was living at Seki-machi, Nagasumi-cho. He is listed as a Rikugun Jumei Tosho. The sword is dated as 昭和十八年四月 Shōwa 18 (1943) April. His blades have both Seki and Sho stamps. Any stamp on yours? The marks along the blade look like scratches.....mostly one side.... is there anything stuck in the saya? But often scratches are by post-war kids chopping and slashing trees etc.

Very interesting, impressive and encouraging. Thanks for posting.

Didier, have you seen these examples and background:

Nick, looks to be an interesting sword that went to war. The smith is Kanetaka from Seki. There were two of that signature, but his family name is Matsuda. Not a lot of info available but here is a summary. KANETAKA (兼高), from Gifu Prefecture, his real name is Matsuda Takaichi (松田高市). There is a 1937 compilation done by police for the government listing active tosho at that time; there were 34 active tosho listed in Gifu Prefecture including Kanetaka. The report describes him as: 兼高 Kanetaka (松田 高市 Matsuda Takaichi), born: Meiji 44 (1911) September 16; registered as a Seki tosho on Showa 14 (1939) October 26 (age 28). In 1937 he was living at Bugi-gun, Seki-machi, Aza naka-cho. On registration in 1939, he was still living at Seki-machi, Naka-cho (probably home and workshop). He trained as an apprentice from Taisho 13 (1924) (age 13) under Kojima Kanetoki (who became independent in 1928, and changed his name to Kojima Kanemichi). Kanetaka became independent (qualified) in May Showa 5 (1930) (age 18). In 1937 Kanetaka was an independent tosho (age 26) and he had 1 deshi (student). When he registered as a Seki swordsmith on Showa 14 (1939) October 26 it was very early and pre-war, and at the age of 28. In the late 1930's he was one of 15 tosho in the Kanemichi Mon, or group, of Kojima Kanemichi (小島兼道) who was then well recoginized smith in Seki. Kanemichi had been a student of the high ranked smith Watanabe Kanenaga. Kanemichi and many of his group registered as Seki tosho in this early pre-war period of late 1939. There are quite a few examples of his work, and these have both Sho/sakura and Seki stamps (early part of war). None of these blades are dated. They also show variation in mei cutting and in nakago shape, suggesting assistants. The well cut mei are probably "nakirishimei" by a specialist, common in larger workshops. One example (E) is a custom order, so clearly he was a skilled tosho. He worked as a guntō smith possibly both in his own workshop (and selling through military organisations?) but also producing for an arsenal. However, there is no record he submitted to any exhibitions (e.g. 1941, 1943, 1944). Further, he is not listed in the 1942 Banzuke which compiled and ranked 400 swordsmiths. These factors suggest he was not around from maybe 1941, suggesting he may have died or even enlisted. Examples. A. Nick's sword: with uncommon cursive script mei "Seki ju Matsuda Kanetaka. 関 住松田 兼高 (Seki stamp 関). B. Noshu Seki ju Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州関住松田兼高作 (Sho stamp 昭) [Stein JSI]. C. Noshu ju Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州住松田兼高作 (Seki stamp 関 and kokuin hot stamp for "TAKA") [Fuller & Gregory, 1983]. D. Matsuda Kanetaka 松田兼高 (Sho stamp 昭) [Fuller & Gregory, 1983]. E. Noshu Seki ju Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州関住松田兼高作 (Sho stamp 昭) Oite Tanaka shi motome 應田中氏需 "In accordance to the wishes of Mr Tanaka" F. Noshu Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州松田兼高作 (3 part "shu") (Seki stamp 関 and kokuin hot stamp for "TAKA"). Nagasa 68.4 cm. [nipponto.co.jp]. G. Matsuda Kanetaka 松田兼高 (Sho stamp 昭) Nagasa 71.2 cm. Unusual stretched out mei. [ikedaart.com]. H. Noshu Seki ju Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州関住松田兼高作 (Sho stamp 昭) [gihei.com]. I. Noshu Seki ju Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州関住松田兼高作 (Sho stamp 昭) Nagasa 69.4 cm. [aucview.aucfan.com] J. Noshu Seki ju Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州関住松田兼高作 (Sho stamp 昭) Nagasa 66.2 cm. [auctions yahoo.co.jp] K. Noshu Seki ju Matsuda Kanetaka saku 濃州関住松田兼高作 (3 part "shu") (stamp removed, probably Sho 昭) Nagasa 67.3 cm. [google.com.au]

Looking at Kanetatsu, Sesko lists: KANETATSU (兼達), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu, real name Kanemura Tatsuo (兼村 達雄), born February 23 1913, he worked as a guntō smith. This agrees with listing in the Seki tosho registration: Kanetatsu, Kanemura Tatsuo, born Taisho 2 (1913) Feb 23, registered Showa 14 (1939) Oct 26 (this is earliest registration date) at age 26. He was living at Seki-machi, Asahi-cho. The sword of Robs (A): "Kanetatsu" 兼達 ni-ji mei, dated Showa 18(1943), with o-suji kai yasurime and Seki stamp. Sword B (2015 KimberFortyFive): shichi-ji mei : "Seki ju Kanematsu Kanetatsu saku" 関住兼松兼達作 Sho stamp, apparently no date, and taka-no-ha yasurime. Sword C (Slough, p. 68): shichi-ji mei : "Seki ju Kanematsu Kanetatsu saku" 関住兼松兼達作 Sho stamp, apparently no date (not shown), and taka-no-ha yasurime (and described as "nakirishimei"). Sword D (F&G 1983): shichi-ji mei : "Seki ju Kanematsu Kanetatsu saku" 関住兼松兼達作 Sho stamp, apparently no date (not shown), and taka-no-ha yasurime. Sword E (F&G 1983): ni-ji mei, dated Showa 17 (1942), with o-suji kai yasurime and Seki stamp. Sword F (Stein JSI): shichi-ji mei : "Seki ju Kanematsu Kanetatsu saku" 関住兼松兼達作 Sho stamp, apparently no date (not shown), and taka-no-ha yasurime. Sword H (nipponto.co.jp): same shichi-ji mei (last sword) Looks like two versions: swords A and E are "Kanetatsu" ni-ji mei, with Seki stamp, o-sujikai filing and dated. "Tatsu" kanji maybe more simple style. (could these be "shoshinmei"?) Swords B, C, D, F: are shichi-ji mei with Sho stamp, taka-no-ha filing, probably not dated, and some more artistic mei by cutting specialist. There are also differences in the shape of the nakago. Looks unusual that his name is Kanemura Tatsuo (Kanetatsu) and he signs Kanematsu Kanetatsu 兼松兼達 on some swords. For sword D, Fuller & Gregory suggested could be a joint effort. This is also suggested for sword H (last sword) by seller Nipponto.co.jp. For interest, there is an example of Kanematsu: "Noshu Seki ju Kanematsu saku" 兼松 sword G, but his name is not in lists.

@Kiipu and @Bruce Pennington the gunto by Yoshimichi with interesting horimono and "甲子大黒天 Kinoene Daikokuten" could be one of three generations (maybe 3rd gen?). Sesko shows: YOSHIMICHI (吉道), 1st gen., Kanbun (寛文, 1661-1673), Settsu – “Yamato no Kami Yoshimichi” (大和守吉道), real name Mishina Uzaemon (三品宇左衛門), second son of the 1st gen. Ōsaka-Tanba, signatures from the first year of Jōō (承応, 1652) to the third year of Enpō (延宝, 1675), mostly a wide mihaba and a thick kasane, the jigane is a dense ko-mokume with ji-nie, the hamon is a chōji in nioi-deki with a sugu-yakidashi and ko-nie. YOSHIMICHI (吉道), 2nd gen., Enpō (延宝, 1673-1681), Settsu – “Settsu – “Yamato no Kami Yoshimichi” (大和守吉道), real name Mishina Shirōbei (三品四郎兵衛), he changed his first name to Den´emon (伝右衛門) and also worked in Himeji in Harima province, so also called Himeji-Yamato (姫路大和). During the Kanbun era (寛文, 1661-1673) he was invited by Tokugawa Mitsukuni (徳川光圀, 1628-1701) – the daimyō of the Mito fief (水戸藩) – to forge in Mito´s Shichiken-machi (七軒町). (There is also the tradition that it was the 1st gen. Yamato no Kami Yoshimichi who went to Mito). He worked in the style of the 1st gen. but his hamon is slanted. YOSHIMICHI (吉道), 3rd gen., Genroku (元禄, 1688-1704), Settsu – “Settsu – “Yamato no Kami Yoshimichi” (大和守吉道), real name Mishina U´emon (三品宇右衛門), he signed in early years with Yukimichi (幸道). There are plenty of images (and shrines) of Daikokuton

James , very nice looking blade and dated December 1942. On NMB is a paper with his history and examples"

Jonas, OK to use publically available information if uses references, and consider assumptions versus facts.

John, here's some background on Kanenori and colleagues with some examples.

Probably: Seki Unjousai Katsunaga, but may be unlisted 　関 雲上斎 勝永 https://www.google.c...gNScs6C&opi=89978449

some more Yoshishige: Ryoju Naval Officer Military Sword Sword | Hocho Kobido (bocho-kobidou.com) 刀　良重　昭和十八年　 Katana[Yoshisshige]日本刀　刀剣販売 サムライ商会[samurai shokai] Military Sword (Front) Ryoshige (Back) Showa 19 Years Army Sword Entry - Art * Sword * Specialty * Auction! WINNERS (winners-auction.jp) Former Japan Army Army Army Sword Yoshishige with registration certificate 62.3cm Total length 103cm Leather sheath Sword brace scabbard handle 鍔軍服刀緒 (sword, sword)|Auction information bought and sold, Yahoo product information archive release --Oakfan (aucfan.com) other swords below

Chadley, looks like Yoshishige 良重 Komiyama Ryozou 小見 山良造 (or Yoshizou). Born Meiji 35 (1902) January 19, and registered as a Seki tosho on Showa 17 (1942) November 1 age about 40. He was from Seki-machi, Tokiwa-cho. I need to check this. The date is 1943 (Ju hachi nen) but cant decipher his month/day. Blade has Seki stamp. Sesko has him listed as: YOSHISHIGE (良重), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Yoshishige” (良重), real name Komiyama Ryōzō (小宮山良造). Below some examples from Fuller & Gregory, 1983.

Scott, for some background to Tenshozan and more examples:

Kris and Jan, Moriyama san is correct, the tosho is: 一前 Ichizen 若井 徳市 Wakai Tokuichi, who was a Seki smith, and likely worked in an arsenal. Seki stamp on blade suggests around 1942. Looks to be born Meiji 40 (1907) February 1 (report print is not clear). He was from Kamo-gun, Sakaewa-mura and registered as a Seki smith in Showa 16 (1941) December 11, age around 34. Based on this there is a misread of one kanji in Sesko; this is very easy to do. "waka" has 2 strokes on top 若 ; "iwa" has 3 , like "yama" 岩.　Very little information available. Kamo is now a district to the east of Seki. 　　

A bit more info from Sesko: SUKEHISA (祐久), Keiō (慶応, 1865-1868), Bizen – “Bishū Osafune Sukehisa” (備州長船祐久), real name Yokoyama Hisagorō (横山久五郎, first name also reads Kyūgorō), adopted son in law of Yokoyama Sukenaga (祐永), he died on the 26th day of the seventh month Meiji two (明治, 1869)

I wonder if there is a Japanese sword collection/discussion group nearby to where you are in Illinois. Would be good to get some commentary and explanation. The museum surely would wish to have items identified and displayed correctly.

YUKINAGA (行長), Tenshō (天正, 1573-1592), Bungo – “Hōshū Takada-jū Yukinaga” (豊州高田住行長), “Fujiwara Yukinaga” (藤原行長)

Hi Christopher, are you saying that the items you are showing all remain in the state/condition in which they were donated? So its not seen correct to alter them?

and go to Tottori (Hoki) and visit the incredible sand dunes: https://www.Japan-guide.com/e/e8102.html

Chris, here is some more (from Sesko) also some comments for your records. YOSHIYUKI (吉幸), Bunkyū (文久, 1861-1864), Hōki – “Hōki no Kuni Fujiwara Yoshiyuki” (伯耆国藤原吉幸), “Hakushū Yonago-jū Shohōken Yoshiyuki” (伯州米子住曙峰軒吉幸), “Shohōken Yoshiyuki Un´han ni oite” (曙峰軒吉幸於雲藩), “Hakushū-jū Yoshiyuki” (伯州住吉幸), “Hōki no Kuni-jū Yoshiyuki” (伯耆国住吉幸), real name Shimizu Tōshirō (清水藤四郎), he was the son of a certain Yamazaki Hei´emon Yoshihiro (山崎平右衛門吉広) but was later adopted by Shimizu Masayoshi (清水正吉), he signed his name first with the characters (吉行) and used the gō Shohōken (曙峰軒), he came originally from the village of Osa (小佐) in Izumo province and worked for the Izumo fief (出雲藩), later he moved to Yonago (米子) in Hōki province and died on the 21st day of the ninth month Meiji 19 (明治, 1886) at the age of 75, we know blades from the Ansei era (安政, 1854-1860) to the ban on wearing swords in the year 1876, dense ko-itame mixed with mokume and fine ji-nie, the hamon is a gunome in ko-nie-deki, the bōshi is sugu with a ko-maru-kaeri, the yasurime are gyaku-sujikai with keshō, he chiselled his signature close to the mune of the tang, chūjō-saku. Your sword is a wakizashi in late Edo koshirae, the pieces are nice, and original but do not all match. Probably later rewrap tsuka in Japan. This sword not likely to have been taken to war. The blade is an unusual shape with grooves and tip in the style of a nagamaki. Habaki is copper with silver foil and grooved pattern. The pair of seppa are also silver foil over copper. Fuchi is shakudo with a water/lake scene with stork? and leaves (gold and shakudo). Cant see kashira. Menuki also shakudo and gold, with pair of wild boar. Tsuba is correct size for wakizashi, by Echizen Kinai school and has aoi leaf design, probably of Rokudai Takahashi generation (see Kinai downloads in NMB). Blade looks to be in good condition with medium width hamon of gunome-midare pattern. Need to measure length of edge (habaki to tip). Iit is a complete sword, but not all original en-suite fittings. More likely acquired in Japan end/after the war.

As noted by Moriyama san: Ishihara Masanao (page 24 in below)

I found another pic of women polishing (posted by Trystan). I note now that a number of these pics were posted back in Feb 2022 (apologies to the posters). The pic looks similar to the first Matsue one...... possibly same workshop? Pics have: similar style/texture, girls are same age, same headband and winter clothes. In pic A can see the low platform of pic B. Background is similar and can see it with adjusted contrast in photos. Together they show foundation polish on left and finish on right. In pic B wall banners are old writing with no hiragana. Large one is patriotic support for soldiers fighting. Smaller one at left has 5 duties to follow to support the war effort. Period is winter 1944 (so is that January or December?) and maybe Matsue high school girl volunteers.

@Bruce Pennington @Kiipu Bruce That’s a very interesting post of the extract of memoir of a school student. I note that you, Kiipu and Morita san have discussed it June/Sept 2019. As I understand it it’s a 1980 book published in Tokyo, and refers to Shinkyo No.2 Middle School. Did that student do volunteer work in Manchuria (seems unlikely late in the war?) or possibly worked on Mantetsu in Kanagawa? A rough translation of your post follows….. the memory of a student in Manchuria. There is info on swords made there and polished by the student. It includes sword ID nos……but maybe you have all that in your records? Firstly I am not sure if this is by girl or boy. It reports work over recent 6 months in the Nanman Army Arsenal (southern Manchuria?) which included military swords. “Swords I polished were…….” Mantetsu tan tsukuru kore (Showa kou saru haru: year of Monkey, 1944, spring). Katakana “se” セ: 2596, 2767, 1251, 1225, 1293. “su” ス: 18, 273. Koanan-issei (presumably Koa isshin Mantetsu) (Showa otsu tori haru: year of rooster, 1945, spring) Hiragana い: 67, 90, 213, 289, 449. The student’s comments are: two days before graduation I left to join the Kai Miho Kaigunn Koukutai (navy airforce?) as a trainee pilot. The train departed Shin Kyoeki station (is this in Tokyo?) on Showa 20 (1945) March 22. It appears he/she would be the 16th enrolment in Kaigun Koushu as a trainee pilot. A comment is this is repeating what was done by the 3rd enrolment 30 years before (1915?). Dont know if Ive got this correct or not, but it looks a very interesting aspect.

Bruce, not specific it was just a general post for interest.

Interesting photo from 1944 at Shimane Sword Corp, Matsue, Shimane in NW Honshu. (banner: Shimane Token Kabushiki Gaisha). Looks to be 14 young women polishing, perhaps all with the same grade of stone. A male supervisor at left. Do not know if related but the Hitachi Steel Works that produced sword iron with Yasuki iron sands was in the same region. [photo from Facebook page of Yoshihiko Usuki, togishi of Koto-ku, Tokyo] Later comments from Japan suggest they are high school girls.