First Time I See This Kind Of Form...

[DirkO]

How would this be correctly identified? Kogarasu maru on a stick?    

 

I'm intrigued by these more utilitarian formats you sometimes find, like that Saneo from Tsuruta. They usually seem to resemble farmer tools, which is to be expected.

 

http://page24.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/q67341621

 

 

[Geraint]

Hi Dirk.

 

 Lovely thing. I have only come across this sugata once before and have just been searching for it.  Delighted to say that memory served me well.  Christie's sale, June 97   Described as follows. "An Oaka school naginata no saki.  Mei: Inoue Shinkai with chrysanthemum mark.  Dated Empo Ninen ni-gatsu.  (1674)   An unusual elegant kata -shobu form socket type, (fukuro), saki zori, ryoha, forging pattern very tight itame, with ji-nie, tempered edge naka-suguha of nie to ryoha, the socket ubu"

 

If you haven't come across it have a look here, https://www.pinterest.com/nihonnokatchu/naginata-and-nagamaki/

 

All the best.

[DirkO]

Hi Geraint,

Thanks for the info, but I don't think this is a naginata (yes I know, it has a naginata hi) - because it lacks curvature and ends more in a stub? Just goes to show that smiths were very creative, even in form.

 

Just noticed I put in the wrong link on top.

 

http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/197962597

[Marius]

Dirk, I see curvature. And regardless of the tip, it is a hoko blade, meant to be mounted on a pole. Consequently, it is a pole arm, and since it is hardly a yari, it must be a naginata.

 

Just MHO, of course    

 

Nice find, BTW 

[Geraint]

So, kogarasu maru no bo it is then.   Not sure what else you might call it but attached is the image from the reference I quoted.

 

Agghhhh!  So many buttons,    Apologies for multiple posts.