Hector

Thank you Dale! Do you have any idea how these tsuba should be mounted? (At a guess, I'd think the hitsu-ana positions are probably more important than the signature. Although, in the case of my tsuba, the side with the mei is also definitely more decorated and therefore more likely to be considered the omote.)

Hi, I would appreciate some more advice if that's okay? I have very simple tsuba where either the (unknown) mei is on the ura side rather than the omote or the hitsu-ana are the wrong way round. With the mei facing upward, the kogai hitsu-ana is on the left and the kozuka hitsu-ana is on the right - a mirror position to the norm, I believe? So, could the mei have been positioned underneath on some occasions? Thanks. Hector C

Very interesting - I wasn't aware of that family tradition. I had managed to semi-understand the Samon(ji) reference and nearly fell for it as the tanto in the auction does look like it's modelled on Sa. (Blade in question on far left with two Sa blades for comparison.) However, it now looks like the inscription in the lid is a counterfeit add-on. That would explain the missing character and mixing up a tachi with a tanto.

Sorry .... Hisako. 🤦🏻 Possibly part of a wedding trousseau?

Dear Mr. Moriyama, I really appreciate your assistance. I was using translation software but something seemed 'off' about this. I think the Tanto was actually made for someone called Hiroko? Thanks again, Hector

Hi, I was hoping for some help on an inscription inside the lid of a box for a modern tanto. i think it has the smith's name, some awards he won and some other details i just can't decipher. Thanking you in advance. Hector C