Again I find a blade for sale by a dealer who is this time 'only' stating his personal opinion/experience:
"I must say that in over 40+ years of collecting and dealing in Japanese swords, this is the first Kotô blade that I have seen with a cutting test. I highly recommend this beautiful blade."
Yet from prior blogs and other writings on his website it is quite clear that he is aware of kinzogan on earlier blades. Isn't it harmful for the overseas industry when dealers make exaggerated claims about items in this manner...
Thank you Ray, John, Jussi, and Steve for your swift and comprehensive replies.
And Steve you are correct even though they are minor errors that could be blamed on translation it is enough to keep a lot of buyers at bay...
Recently I came across this wakizashi and something grabbed my attention...
When reading this article on cutting test inlays two questions come to mind that some of you might be able to answer…
1. The inlay on this wakizashi states Kanbun 2 (1662) Yamano Ka’emon Nagahisa 61…. But from other inlays shouldn’t he be 65 in this year?
2. Could it be true that this is actually the only Koto/pre 1596 that has a gold inlay (this is claimed by Aoi in the item description…)?
I thought I’ had seen a few over the years… one that I could find online sold at an Italian auction
I would be delighted if you could give me some color on this situation and what I'm missing and/or overseeing!?