ROKUJURO

Bruce, you probably meant to write URUSHI ? It is close, but not the same!

That looks like an exceptionally fine TSUBA!

How does the other side look like? First comes a diagnosis, then the therapy.

In my eyes it is not an "ICHI". Could be a simple file test for hardness but also a secret mark to recognize it from other NAOTANE blades..

From the workshop in the neighbourhood of the first one?

Yes, that is one of the crude theories, but it is ridiculously unlikely when you think about it. I am working scientifically on this TEKKOTSU subject and hope to be able to present results in the near future.

Yves, this is called TEKKOTSU (= "iron bones"). It is a special feature of some TSUBA makers or schools. There is some discussion about what it is and how it is done. Unfortunately, most writers have no metallurgic background and try to approach the subject from the aesthetic side which does not lead far. Your TSUBA would be classified as HEIANJO style, in this case an earlier one with HIRA ZOGAN technique (flat inlay), most of which is still present. There are information that some TSUBASHI working in that style did not make the TSUBA plate themselves but bought them from more specialized smiths to decorate them afterwards. This may be the case here. Attached is an image of a HEIANJO TSUBA with another decoration style.

HIRAGANA character "KU"? Whatever, I like it!

Last one could be MASAYOSHI.

Not surprizing. How do you quantify "taste" or "liking"? With swords (or any other works of art), it is not much better. There are many facts and variables to learn and to consider when making a statement.

Kenneth, welcome to the NMB forum! Nice little collection there, but to comment on the items we would certainly need close-ups for the details. Please use a dark, non-reflecting background for a good contrast when making photos, and cut off what is not needed to show the object. Photos of the HIMOTOSHI are always important.

Perhaps you find something in these papers: And can I ask why and what you are searching for? Nihonto-Steel (1) Arnaud NMB.pdf Study_of_Microstructures_on_Cross Section_of_Japanese_sword.pdf

I don't see a crack which would be a KIZU. It looks more like a fissure to me between the cross-shaped inner part and the MIMI. Certainly from the manufacturing process as it is not one single piece.

There is a lot going on on that TSUBA! Might replace a Chinese martial arts video!

Dale, this TSUBA seems to have a "true" ORIKAESHI folding rim. The description of the SUKASHI as KATABAM/wood sorrel is correct. Apple blossoms have five petals like most ROSACEAE.

This groove has no technical purpose in my opinion. Might be just a mistake by an amateur who was going to cut it too short, but after rethinking, decided otherwise.

Rob, animal skin would not be too exotic; I have seen a number of these besides the standard SAME (pearl ray skin). Shark-skin can even be found on WWII Navy sword SAYA. Shortening a blade may leave a mark on the NAKAGO, though on the (slightly out of focus) photo you provided it is not visible to me. A reason for shortening might have been to be allowed to carry it as a merchant. Only SAMURAI were allowed to carry blades of KATANA size.

John, don't you think that this kind of TSUKA would be more typical for a so-called 'Merchant's' KOSHIRAE? Late EDO? If the blade was WAKIZASHI NAGASA, I would guess so. Of course it does look thrown together with the glue coming out under the MENUKI. Not beautiful....

The TSUKA cover looks like Iguana or lizard skin, or maybe a special shark skin type. I am with Piers on the TSUBA; it is probably amateur work, the SEPPA as well.

Blueblue, please sign all posts with at least a first name plus an initial, so we can address you politely. You can also show your name in your profile. This is requested here on the NMB forum.

EDO JIDAI = EDO era/period. There are different opinions on the span of time, some say 1596 to 1876 (or 1868), other see the start with KEICHÔ era (1614). In literature, you may also find 1600/1603 to 1868 or 1876 (HAITÔREI, the end of the SAMURAI era)

Rob, usually there is no patination involved in swords. The patina builds up on the NAKAGO by time and use. This blade has a drilled MEKUGI-ANA. The even red rust on the NAKAGO is not deep, and the polish on the blade is not "profound" so I cannot see HADA (at least not with these images). It was stored in a damp place and thus damaged by recent (heavy) rust. My guess would also be very late EDO JIDAI, but in the end, it is quality that counts, and preservation condition. Age by itself does not hold much value.

Try without doping, it should work!

Vincent, I could not find KEISHA period. You probably meant to write 慶長 KEICHÔ (1596 -1614) which is the time when NANKI SHIGEKUNI worked.