Ray Singer

From your photo of the kissaki, looking at what appears to be a perfectly straight ko-shinogi, it already seems that you are changing the geometry. The boshi appears quite thin as is, and will likely not sustain much foundation work if corrections are needed. I second the comments that it would be best to avoid any further "polishing" work and wait until such a time when you are ready to have a professional restore the sword. Having mako-ake done is a relatively modest cost. Not sure if you are based out of Australia, but if so you have Andrew Ickeringill in Melbourne who is a fully training togishi (having completed his full apprenticeship in Japan).

Bob Benson or Mike Yamasaki would be my choice. Best regards, Ray

Another example of a karakusa-bori habaki (mixed with botan yasuri-mei). http://yakiba.com/Tanto_Nobukuni.htm

Would love to see more photos. My best friend bought the mumei Ryumon Nobuyoshi which was formerly in the Museum of Sword Fittings (attributed to Ryumon Nobuyoshi and received Juyo after purchase). Exceptional smith and an exceptional sword. http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-yamato-school-katana-unsigned-attributed-to-4376903-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intobjectid=4376903&sid=feba4329-11a3-4dcd-ae24-c54ffbe23836

I cannot affirm that the mei is good (no references here with me) but that signature was used by a number of groups. I'll reserve judgment until further research.

Kanenaga. 包永

Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro. Go to hizento.net for further research. Best regards, Ray

You're absolutely right Barry, I overlooked that this is an earlier example of his work.

Hard to improve on Barry's list. Here is an example of what a top-quality WWII era sword looks like. https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-horii-toshihide

What are you selling it for? I can always ask around to collectors I know.

Photos would be helpful, but it sounds more like a nioi-giri than a polish issue.

Certainly looks like Ietsugu to my eyes.

Yes, it's quite unusual and I was completely stumped. That you anyway for taking the time and happy holidays!

Thanks so much Steve. Any thoughts on what is written in the signature?

Perhaps someone could identify the specific poem, artist and/or date? The painting seems to lead with Meiwa (明和). Best regards, Ray

Would anyone be able to assist with the translation of this painting? It was found by a friend who generally focuses on Chinese jade, but occasionally picks up an interesting piece of Japanese art. Many thanks, Ray

The way I've seen tama (floating jewels) referred to are as very circular tobiyaki (round in shape, rather than oblong, elliptical, etc) such as what is seen in the work or Sukehiro or in some Mishina school boshi. I do not know the term for a tobiyaki which is 'open' in the interior, however in the first sword the feature does resemble a closed crescent moon shape. Best regards, Ray

Half moon or crescent moon patterns just above the hamon are called hangetsu. These however appear more like tama or tobiyaki to my eyes. Best regards, Ray

That Kuniie was a very, very nice gendaito. I may be mistaken, but my impression was that the price was influenced by what appears to be damage to and subsequent restoration of the nakago. It looks like the nakago was corroded at one point and the majority was resurfaced with new yasuri-mei (all but the uppermost portion of the nakago). A change in yasuri-mei, depth of mei, color, remnants of pitting, etc can be seen.

I am fairly sure you can see some accumulated "something" in the hi. Wood fragments, particles of some kind, etc. Would seem to preclude this being an illusion of the camera. I'll shoot an email to the seller to see if they can confirm either way. Best regards, Ray

There is no separation visible within the mekugi-ana. The inside lowest point of the channel also appears to be visible. It seems this may have been an aesthetic choice? Likewise, look forwarding to hearing if anyone else has ideas or has seen this feature before.

Certainly looks to my eyes like a channel has been cut into the nakago mune. Not something I have seen before. Creativity on the part of the swordsmith? Best regards, Ray

It did not take long to return to the site as a consignment item. http://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi-mumei-atttributed-as-norishige-2

A copy or not, what an extraordinary thing to find framed in a thrift shop. A well done piece regardless.

友 tomo