Interesting pics

[Brian]

Stumbled across this while browsing today:

http://www.katana-ando.co.jp/syouhinnitirann.html

Which led to this link (second from top) http://www.katana-ando.co.jp/katana/q1757.html

That's about the best pics I have seen of this style of sword. Not sure how old it is..perhaps someone can translate the description.

But it does show the unique way the habaki was mounted and other features that we don't see nowdays.

 

Brian

[cabowen]

Looks like Hayama Enshin work. Not old...

[uwe]

Hmmm, reproduction (uzushi) of an kenukigata-tachi

 

Uwe

[Brian]

Are there 2 different swords there? The top one seems different to the bottom one, and the "nakago" of each seem totally different. What am I seeing?

 

Brian

[Gunome]

Hi

The bottom pics are for the koshirae. The "nakago"/tsuka is made of wood. Could so this be a kind of tsunagi for the koshirae?!

[Brian]

Hmm. Is that really modern? I assume not made to deceive then...but more as art? It is really well done, I would have sworn it had age to it.

http://www.katana-ando.co.jp/syouhinnitirann.html

What do they describe it as?

 

Brian

[Eric H]

Seems to be a Tachi from early sword period. The Tsuba (toran kei?) and the Fuchi are made as a „one piece“ to be fixed to the blade with a mekugi. The blade has high shinogi with a kissaki in shobu zukuri style, but there is no mune to see. Muji hada? - difficult to judge. Hamon starts just where the Habaki -missing now - ends.

Condition and appearance of this Tachi of unusual shape and the Koshirae leave no other conclusion than that it is a historic sword of early time.

Shape: the translation says imprecisely "tweezers, nippers) shape.

 

This Tachi is not for sale but for „Reference“ only and the note „Tokyo 140629) could point to a Museum in Tokyo.

 

Eric

[Eric H]

After a bit of research, a Tanto by Hayama Enshin, this supports the statement by Chris Bowen...but what about the Koshirae ?

 

http://www.samuraishokai.jp/sword/11604.html

 

Eric

[Jacques]

HI,

 

True kenukiachigata tachi are extremely rare. i know only two with are both kokuho and located in Nara (Kasuga-taisha). This one is at 99,99% a reproduction.

[seattle1]

Hello:

Hayama Enshin did quite a number of excellent utsushi of early blades, in addition to mirrors and the like, however I have only seen them carefully noted as to maker and with other subordinate information. Perhaps Chris could ask Ando san!?

Arnold F.

[cabowen]

if you look at the jitetsu of this blade it should be rather obvious that it is modern. Having seen at least two or three Enshin copies of the kenuki sugata in the past, his penchant for reproducing archaic sugata, as well as his very tight hada.... well, to me, it is a very good bet that he was involved....

[seattle1]

Hello:

Just for clarification I did not say or suggest that the blade is old, I merely pointed out that within my limited experience I have never seen a blade said to be by Enshin without his mei. He certainly could do exquisite jihada, very top Awataguchi style. I believe he was in the copy and honorable reproduction camp and not a faker, though again there might be unsigned examples I am entirely unaware of.

Arnold F.

[cabowen]

I have seen quite a few unsigned blades attributed to him over the years but the thing to keep in mind is that anything can happen to a blade once it leaves the smith's forge.....

[b.hennick]

I have a papered tanto by Enshin with onecharacter signature "ichi".

[cabowen]

I have a papered tanto by Enshin with onecharacter signature "ichi".

 

He actually had quite a few variations in his signature, signing at first 正寛 (Masahiro), then later 　圓眞　/円真, (Enshin)

 

It is said there was a nidai who signed 円心, (Enshin).

 

Here is an example of his later work done in an older style work:

 

 

Here is an early work, very rare, signed Masahiro, done in the style of his teacher, Masao (of the Kiyomaro school):

 

[Ken-Hawaii]

Piers, is this the Mukansa smith Ando Hirokiyo who you have met, along with his son?

 

Ken

[seattle1]

Hi:

The issue raised was whether the initial unsigned piece shown was done by Enshin. I do not believe that has been established. Yes, he signed with alternative names, but is there a certified mu mei blade reliably attributed to Enshin? Barry is your "Ichi" also signed as Enshin or is it "Ichi" attributed to Enshin? Just curious.

Arnold F.

[cabowen]

Hi:

The issue raised was whether the initial unsigned piece shown was done by Enshin. I do not believe that has been established. Yes, he signed with alternative names, but is there a certified mu mei blade reliably attributed to Enshin? Barry is your "Ichi" also signed as Enshin or is it "Ichi" attributed to Enshin? Just curious.

Arnold F.

 

We have no way of knowing for certain but the workmanship fits to a "t", thus my original suggestion.

 

I have seen several mumei blades attributed in shinsa to Enshin. My guess is the fact that he often worked in an older style made for plenty of opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to remove his signature and then pass the blades off as older, more valuable work. We see this with Yasukuni blades as well.

[k morita]

Hi:

The issue raised was whether the initial unsigned piece shown was done by Enshin. I do not believe that has been established. Yes, he signed with alternative names, but is there a certified mu mei blade reliably attributed to Enshin? Barry is your "Ichi" also signed as Enshin or is it "Ichi" attributed to Enshin? Just curious.

Arnold F.

 

Hi, :D

Enshi signed "Ichi". please see the LINK.

http://www.samurai-nippon.net/444/

[b.hennick]

Here are some photos of my Enshin blade and papers.