Toryu2020

Unsigned - attributed to Den Masamune via green papers. Buy the koshirae if that is what you like, I would not put too much stock into that attribution... -t

In defense of Nagoya - the castle is spectacular the concrete tower is the least of the attractions - I recommend getting an English guide, these are often castle enthusiasts that can help you see deeper into the defensive structures. Also in Nagoya is the Tokugawa Art Museum and the Atsuta Jingu. Atsuta has a long history associated with the sword, so they have an impressive collection much of which is now displayed at the newly built sword museum... my two yen, -t

My first impression is not good - does not appear to be masterwork - I fear better pictures would make it look worse. -t

Do your best to get a direct flight - layovers and transfers are where stuff goes astray... -t

Some informal ways to tie your sageo

The Northern California Japanese Sword Club hosts a monthly Kantei session on Zoom. We discuss the artist in question as well as variations in his work and possible alternate bids for the sample blade. It is a great way to connect what you read with real world examples. We encourage students of all levels to join us. Chandler - one frustrating point for beginners is that sword schools are described in generalities - so mokume for Bizen - but when discussing individual pieces certain authors may assign itame to what he is seeing in person. One learns that the hints need to be taken in total and youre careful not to eliminate someone based on a single point that may differ. Hoping this makes sense... -t

The Bell Crickets is a better tsuba imho - the design and the plate look better to my eye. A Japanese customer would return it no question, I think you should too. -t

Omodaka - and it looks like you got the right box but not the right tsuba... -t

I would say a Musashi connection would be a real stretch - there is no real evidence he ever carved an oar, thats a tale from the book which came long after these kodogu... mho -t PS Commorants are used in fresh water and would not be associated with Ganryujima.

Not Yagyu I think and not 1620... mho -t

I would go with Shachihoko - all the other symbols are "treasures", symbols of good fortune. A dragon fish is half of each but a symbol of becoming something great. Were they presented with a withered look then you could argue salmon. mho. -tch

Welcome Chandler - Going to Las Vegas is a great idea - you will see and learn tons in one short weekend. As it happens our club does online kantei for all members - it is a great way to study and persons of all interest levels are welcome. -tch

Unfortunately it appears the tsuba in the box and the tsuba mentioned in the Hakogaki are different... The larger one has a Choshu Mei. -t

Dan - Are you able to post photos of the tsuba? -t

Dan - You might contact Moises Becerra of Nihonto Antiques - he may be handling swords for his clients - we are not local to Orlando so are not planning on offering a mail-in service. -t

Pure masame with a suguha hamon is prone to vertical breakage - so we are told that adding a bit of gunome/ashi reduced the propagation of longer "chips". Add to that a mokume or itame matrix and the cutting edge is much stronger, chipping is less likely. Pure masame also is prone to kitae-ware so difficult to do well... -t

The bed clothes were still warm which meant to the searchers that Kira was not far away. Though very popular this was essentially a revolt against Tokugawa rule so to avoid the censor they may have changed the names slightly... -t

Thats right - We'll be there! -t

Nicely spotted...

Kesho-yasuri means it is definitely Shinshinto... -t

Think its just decorative - might be an image of Kumagai and Atsumori? -t

Well,since you're quoting me. Here are four oshigata - two first generation and two second generation. Compare the signatures closely. I was taught if you can find four anomalies it is highly questionable. Look at your temper line do you see anything like what is illustrated? especially at the tip? Looking at your photo the grain (jigane) looks rough and tired, not in keeping with this master. I'm guessing they (the fakers) saw the shape of your tang and thought "close enough, lets put Kinmichi on this one..." -t

The Nihonto Zuikan has several examples with this style of 伊 also found one in the Shinto Oshigata Shu. Unfortunately there are significant differences with those examples so I would call it gimei. Of course the blade is the thing, what does the workmanship say? -t