Lewis B

Here's a Miyamoto Kanenori that just listed on Touken Komachi https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_ja_tachi&katanaA040226.html

Unless there was more than one mumei Kanenaga in the Matsudaira collection I believe this could be the $11,4 mil sword mentioned above. Nagasa 71.8 and 1.7cm sori. From an exhibit at Touken World Nagoya The kinzogan inscription states it was owned by Honda Heihachiro Tadatame better known as Honda Tadaoki, grandson of famed Tokugawa general, Honda Tadakatsu. Perhaps it was this provenance that pushed the bidding so high, if its the same sword..... Edit: with further research this is a Tegai Kanenaga from the Matsudaira and not the Bizen Kanenaga that was sold in the auction.

Communication isn't the NBTHK's strongest suit. Try emailing info@nbthk.touken.or.jp It can take a few days to get a response. They do communicate in English. How long ago did you email them first time? Making payment via bank transfer is also a fun experience.

I agree it's the former. The technique is similar but the form of the precious metal is different. As I understand it, with kinzogan Mei the chiseled kanji are filled by hammering in gold wire then filed flat to the level of the nakago. In nunome zogan the gold, silver or copper elements are applied as thin sheets/foil using a hammer.

Thanks Jussi, that cleared up the inconsistency I had created. Confirms the Yamato influenced Kabuto-Giri Go was not unique and that there are in fact at least 3 blades exhibiting this influence in his work, including the Mori and Murakumo Go swords.

Much clearer thanks. To me this appears to be gilded copper inlay and not pure gold as would have be traditionally applied. Could also be brass based on the shade of yellow

I was recently made aware of the Murakumo-Go that shows strong Yamato influence. It was studied by Dr Honma in 1980 and he gave his opinion of the sword in his diary. Thats now two rare examples of blades with Yamato-influenced masame forging style, with the suggestion these are the earliest exemplars of Go's work. But there is an inconsistency. Both the photos (from a different source) and oshigata are said to be of the Murakumo-Go but clearly they are not the same blade. The photo is from the Encyclopaedia of Japanese Swords, the oshigata from Honma's KantoHibiSho Vol 8.

If I blow up the image I can see file marks. I think it's kinzogan Mei but very crudely carved and inlaid. Not quality work.

It's all relative. Give it a name and see the price hit the stratosphere. Marketing 101 even in the Edo period.

All good points although I have my doubts it was a Go. Wouldn't Go blades in a collection of the calibre of Matsudaira have had names. This Yoshihiro appears a little more 2nd tier.

Some surprising datapoints there. One might argue that nihonto values, in monetary terms, have diminished considerably over time and will continue on that trajectory as we transition more towards a hobbyists interest. Im not sure there is a critical mass of younger collectors with the necessary disposable funds and curiosity to invest in these god-level pieces. Case in point, the Kotegiri Go, which was sold at another auction in 1931, receiving a bid of only 2,131 JPY basically two thirds what was paid in 1918. A very poor investment at the time. The Maeda Masamune didn`t meet reserve in 1924 and went unsold. Any more info on the `Yoshihiro`? Is this a blade by Go or Senjuin Yoshihiro or a later Yoshihiro eg Sa Yoshihiro? Oshigata for 3 of the blades

Some really nice pieces there James. If you are in the Dallas, Houston or Austin areas you could start be visiting this store. They have a big selection of antique tosogu and could provide some information on your fathers collection. Call ahead and make sure the person in charge of that department is available for a consultation. https://collectorsfirearms.com The Tokenkai list shows one branch in Austin. No idea how up to date the info is but could be worth an email. https://japaneseswordindex.com/swordgrp.htm

My birthday was last month, I'll send you my address

Regarding origins. Are we thinking Japanese or Chinese? I found this Chinese blue and white example with 4 holes. Definitely made pre firing

If it is for plants I would say inside use rather than outside where a hole for drainage might be preferable. Perhaps for holding fruit or keeping something off a flat surface. The piece has a feel of age so there may have been other uses we in the modern world may not be aware of.