Yamakichi translation help

[Pete Klein]

If one of the members would be so kind to help me out with the text translation. I'm trying to determine the significance of the fourth kanki after Yama Kichi Bei.

Thanks much!

[Guido]

After 山吉兵 (Yamakichibei) there's a へ (he) added, thus transforming the reading into 山吉兵衛 (Yamakichibê).

 

That's all she wrote.

[Pete Klein]

Thank you very much Guido. I think this is the nidai's work. These mei are often obscured by wear as they were not deeply cut, with examples showing only the first kanji being seen.

Much obliged!

 

http://www.nona.dti.ne.jp/~sword/tuba/t ... akichi.htm

[Guido]

From what I heard, the Mei is often hard to read because the Tsuba were put back into the fire after they were finished, giving them that typical, "molten" look.

[Pete Klein]

It's an interesting idea. The 'yakite shitate' process was usually associated with Kanayama and other unsigned tsuba so it wouldn't have this effect. I'm unaware of when the mei was placed but I must think that if the tsubashi saw the mei partially gone it would be re-cut. The surface patination would also have to be accomplished after the melting. I'll have to ask Gilbert in San Fran about it.

Thanks again for the help!