Jon MB

Hello Clive, PM sent Warm Regards Jon MB

The previous mei reads 'Mitsuoki', this is 'Shibata Ka'

Another, close-up of mei

Hello, here is a pic of the sword

yes, same Mitsuoki signature. I'll post some pics tomorrow. Many Thanks Jon

Gentlemen, many thanks. Any further comments welcome. I'll post some pics soon. Jon

Hello, I have a sword signed 'Mitsuoki', dated October of 1943. Was Mitsuoki an alternate signature used by Shibata Ka? Thanks Jon

again...incorrect spelling... :D

Many thanks George, very helpful. Will look-out for Sato Shigenori. On the subject of Shibata Ka, there is of course Darcy's excellent link http://www.nihonto.ca/shibata-ka/ and I seem to recall Ted Tenold praising Ka somewhere on the Forum too. Interesting example of Shibata ka's work visible here: http://www.samuraishokai.jp/sword/08101.html Shibata Ka is also twice mentioned in the book 'The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths ', first on page 219 in relation to excellent jigane mistakable for koto work, (The same passage quoted on Darcy's page I think). And then in the section interviewing the celebrated sword dealer Shibata Mitsuo, where Mitsuo mentions problems with Ka's swords having flaws and an exhibition being cancelled circa 1932 (unsure of page number off-hand). Could these problems have been related to experiments with forging, leading to flaws that may have been acceptable in Koto pieces, but which were unacceptable in newly made swords (?) One further thought related to Shibata Ka, is the 'Ka' (果) character related to 'apple'? If so that could be an interesting connection with the apple growing culture of the Tohoku region. Beyond that, it is interesting to consider the relationship between tool-making and sword smithing. For a contemporary view on tool making tending-towards-sword-smithing, see: http://www.tokyoartbeat.com/tablog/entr ... zosho.html Apologies to readers for the incorrect splling to the title of this thread. I was tired from too much internet-based hypothesizing and a lack of decent reference material. More investment in lit urgently needed on my part. J

Blade length : 69.7 cm or 27.44 inches. Sori : 1.6 cm or 0.62 inches. Mekugi: 1 Width at the hamachi : 3.26 cm or 1.28 inches. Width at the Kissaki : 2.40 cm or 0.94 inches. Typical thick heavy gunto, if a bit longer than usual. I want to find links between this smith and other smiths or schools of N.E. Japan Thanks Jon

The Aoi website provided the following information: Kuniyoshi was swordsmith in Honjo city Akita pref. He was born in 1904. He worked as Rikugun Jumei-Tosho (swordsmith of Army), and he received Kokko-in Kain Meiyo Sosho. He studied Shibata-Ka, and Kurihara Akihide and Konno Akihira and Akimoto Akitomo. He got many Nyu-sen prize.

Ludolf, thanks for your help. Pic of Mei.

Many thanks. The smith in question was a student of Shibata Ka, also of Akita prefecture..

Was referring to this smith, recently featured on Aoi-Art.. Signature: Ugo ju Kuniyoshi Bei-Ei gekimetsu. Showa 19nen 2gatsu-hi (February, 1944). The blade was polished . Blade length : 69.7 cm or 27.44 inches. Regards

Excellent! Many thanks!

Hello people, New to the Forum. I was wondering if anyone has any information on the smith Ugo Ju Kuneyoshi (Kuniyoshi?)? Is he of the Nigara school? Many thanks Jon

Hello people, new to the forum, hope you are all well today. Could anyone help me with this mei from a piece with gunto fittings, located in Northern China? Sorry for poor pic, taken in a hurry with a mobile phone.. Warm Regards Jon