Motoyuki ???

[Mark]

I am confused (common situation), I have a katana that I think says Bizen ?? ?? ?? Motoyuki Saku. The mei seems poorly written especially the "saku". But the blade is well made and 29 5/8". So maybe a poor gimei but if so who is it trying to be, I find no Motoyuki from Bizen that would make any sense.

 

Any thoughts?

[cabowen]

Seems he is an unlisted smith. There are two from Kyushu using this mei from Shinshinto but they are not recorded as using this signature. Looks a little country to me...

[John A Stuart]

Strange, as this is not a recorded signature. Bizen (no Kuni?) Urako Motoyuki saku. If that is Urako 浦子 If Shinji it would be more sensible. John

[Gunome]

hello

 

May I am wrong but I read Nagayuki 永行 not motoyuki 本行

Moto and naga kanji are close ...

[John A Stuart]

Possibly, I'll go still with Moto 本 Even if Nagayuki, there is no signature as such. Whether Naga or Moto, my gut says Bungo. John

[Mark]

As there has been some comments here are some more pictures. I think the first 2 kanji are Bizen. I think the first kanji of the name is Moto but if others see something else I will research the alternative.

[John A Stuart]

Thank you. It is indeed 新子 Shinji. The better pics helped; so Bizen no Kami Shinji Motoyuki saku. A Bungo Takada smith Meiwa period. I see Markus' book lists Hizen, this is an error. John

[Mark]

John,

 

Thanks! now it makes some sense. I had looked at Markus; book and the Hizen reference threw me. I can accept this as Bungo and mid 1700's. It seems this guy was a minor smith, I did not find him in my Bungo-To book so I will have to try and find some oshigata. At least I have something to research. Thanks again

 

Mark

[runagmc]

I see Bizen 日新子 (Nishinshi ?) Motoyuki saku... maybe wrong reading... I don't remember ever seeing Nishinshi used before, so...