Ron STL Posted February 17, 2014 Report Posted February 17, 2014 Attached are copies taken from an NBTHK shinsa origami from Dallas back in 1980. This wakizashi has been around locally since that time and has always been known as by Shinkai. Being the new keeper of this sword, all at once I'm questioning this thinking. I've searched out examplles of shodai Kunisada and also nidai Kunisada (Shinkai) mei and nowhere can I find the inscription that's on the ura of this blade. (Also, I can not understand the inscription; maybe that would shine some light on the subject!) Frankly, I'm puzzled by this inscription; it this sword by Shinkai or his father or what? Ron STL Quote
cabowen Posted February 17, 2014 Report Posted February 17, 2014 Ron- It says made with To-tetsu, which would seem to be a Chinese steel, I believe. It can also be pronounced "kara" and is sometimes also used in ref. to Korea or other foreign countries. Quite interesting.... There are several sources on line which will help you evaluate the mei, Oya Kunisada vs Shinkai....Wouldn't deny you that pleasure! Quote
Ron STL Posted February 17, 2014 Author Report Posted February 17, 2014 You're so kind, Chris. I'd never figured out that reading! Looking forward to some visiting at the bar in Tampa! Ron STL Quote
cabowen Posted February 17, 2014 Report Posted February 17, 2014 Hey, it's all in the journey! Looking forward to some quality time at the bar Ron.... Quote
John A Stuart Posted February 17, 2014 Report Posted February 17, 2014 唐鉄 Tou tetsu, I believe does not necessarily mean it has to be Chinese (Tang) steel, but, can mean any foreign steel, in the sense of 南蛮鉄 Namban tetsu. John I see you added that bit Chris. J Quote
cabowen Posted February 18, 2014 Report Posted February 18, 2014 Yes, I looked around a little and found it is indeed used on rare occasion in reference to other foreign countries not just China. Quote
Eric H Posted February 18, 2014 Report Posted February 18, 2014 it this sword by Shinkai or his father or what? Based on the mei it is the work by Oya Kunisada. Eric Quote
Jacques Posted February 18, 2014 Report Posted February 18, 2014 Hi, it this sword by Shinkai or his father or what? Shinkai daimei. Quote
Ron STL Posted February 18, 2014 Author Report Posted February 18, 2014 Today, I had time to dig into my references on shodai and nidai Kunisada. In a 1984 JSS/US newsletter, I found one of Cary Condell's conundrums using a test mei of Kunisada. Cary very carfully showed the identifying strokes used by shodai Kunisada (Oya Kunisada) and those used by nidai Kunisada (Shinkai) when making daimei. Much of this applied to Shinkai's swords when he used his Kunisada name (nidai Kunisada). I wish I was wrong, but I'm convinced that my wakizashi is by Shinkai's father, shodai Kunisada, and is shodai's mei (not a daimei). It is still a very interesting sword but shodai Kunisada (chu jo saku) was not the smith his son was ( rated saijo saku). This is so funny...well, sort of funny...since this local sword was always thought to be by Shinkai since it was papered. Nobody ever sat down with it and really compared the mei, stroke by stroke, so it seems. Myself included. By the way, what Cary wrote can also be found in Shinto Taikan, but of course the text is Japanese. If anyone disagrees with my findings, please convince me otherwise, okay? Ron STL Quote
Eric H Posted February 19, 2014 Report Posted February 19, 2014 It is still a very interesting sword but shodai Kunisada (chu jo saku) was not the smith his son was ( rated saijo saku). Oya Kunisada is rated by Fujishiro Jo-jo saku = Superior-superior made, he is only one step in skill behind his son. Eric . Quote
Ron STL Posted February 19, 2014 Author Report Posted February 19, 2014 Thanks Eric, for pointing this out. I see this is an error in the English translation of Fujishiro; the Japanese text does read "Jo-Jo saku" which makes more sense. I feel better already! :D Ron STL Quote
Jacques Posted February 26, 2014 Report Posted February 26, 2014 Hi, I checked my books (specially Inoue Shinkai Taikan) and you are right, it's a sword made by the shodai. Nevertheless the Shinto Taikan is a bit incomplete. Shinkai Taikan has an entire chapter on daimei (sample below). Quote
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