Sayagaki translation help

[Thekirsh]

Hi,

I have just been offered this blade and would appreciate any help with the sayagaki .

Date ooks like 2nd year Keicho, but the first three characters have me stumped, the fourth is a possible "michi".

Could the first three be a town inscription?

Thanks

Simon K

[k morita]

Hi,

Not Keicho period.

 

The sayakaki says Kiyondo blade.

Owner was Honma Masako/Shinko,she and Mr.Junji Honma are relatives.

She is still alive.

 

The tang looks older than Keio period.(?) ....

[Thekirsh]

Thank you very much Morita san,

Yes,the blade is much older than Keicho. I have added a few more photos.

I cannot find any reference to an early Kiyondo?

Thanks

Simon K

[k morita]

I say again not Keicho period but Keio period on the sayagaki.

 

The blade signature says Gisuke/Yoshisuke.

 

So,the sword signature(mei) and the Sayagaki not match each other.

[Thekirsh]

Ahh...now I understand, thank you again.

Simon K

[k morita]

Hi,

Kiyondo was a pupil of Kiyomaro and is a famous smith.

Does the blade length match?

[Thekirsh]

Hi,

Sadly, no it does not match.

Blade haa a nagasa of 45.5cm.

I am looking at Suruga Yoshisuke, maybe late Muromachi 1467-1572

Simon K

[Toryu2020]

Simon -

Someone has either intentionally or mistakenly put an older blade in this saya. A nice sayagaki but you will need to evaluate the blade on it's own.

 

More pics of the blade may help us help you.

-t

[Thekirsh]

Thanks Thomas,

Here are the only other photos the seller sent.

Seems to have rough hada in places.

 

Simon K

[Jean]

I'll be wary about Yoshisuke. Generally, only the first generation was referred as Gisuke. They worked (Shimada smiths) in a mix of Mino/SengoSoshu style.

 

http://www.touken.or.jp/english/nihon_koto_shi/(44)%20No.599.htm

[Thekirsh]

Thank you Jean,

I think I will give it a miss.

Simon K

[Toryu2020]

Not Yoshisuke I'm thinking or if it is maybe it has been re-tempered too dull looking for Shimada.

mho

-t