Tsuba with kanji

[Brian]

Hi all,

 

A friend recently showed me a wakizashi that he has, and I noticed the tsuba is covered with kanji. I am not sure if the tsuba was made with the kanji, or whether they were added later. I lean towards the second guess.

These are the only 2 pics I have unfortunately, and I'm not sure if it is clear enough to translate, but thought I would put it out there and see if anyone has any idea of what is being conveyed here. Any comments on the tsuba itself?

 

Thanks,

Brian

[Bungo]

written in classical Chinese ( don't forget the edo samurai were usually well versed in Chinese classics, sort of like the Russian court of old often spoke French )..........

something about the silver river ( that usually mean the star constellation in the sky ), viewing the moon etc.

 

milt the ronin

[Bungo]

roughly...........

 

silently the cloud parted to reveal the silver river.

The jade bat ( ??, second kanji is obscured ) started ascending towards the full moon ( guessing here.....).

Third line ( 7 characters to each line ).........something about sharing the sentiments /viewing.

4th line.......bright nightsomething something ( I am too ignorant/crude to express the meaning/sentiment )

 

whatever the poem means, it matches the theme......... very girly /refined.

I like it.

 

milt the ronin

[Nobody]

That seems to be a poem written by 孫復 (992-1057) who was a Confucianist of ancient China. I could identify all characters, but I can understand only 60 % of their meaning. AFAIK, Milt is the best person to read classical Chinese. But I also give it a go.

 

[Only a guess translation]

銀河無聲露暗垂 – galaxy, silence, dewdrops in the darkness

玉蟾初上欲圓時 – the Moon rises and is becoming to its full

清樽素瑟宣先賞 – sake cup, simple koto (instrument), ???

明夜陰晴未可知 – nobody knows if it will be rainy or fine tomorrow night

[Bungo]

明夜陰晴未可知 – nobody knows if it will be rainy or fine tomorrow night

_________________

Thanks, Nobody, you are the best..........

 

The last line express the sentiment about the uncertainty of future ( men's fate ? ), the bright night may bring " cloudy " dawn, no one knows.......

 

milt the ronin.

[Stephen]

Tsuba, the verse goes with the man on the other side moon gazing

[Brian]

You guys are the best! :D

Wow. Amazing assistance from this forum. Thanks Milt and Moriyama san.

Do you think this was added at the time of manufacture or later?

I like it, and am trying to acquire the wakizashi it is on.

 

Regards,

Brian

 

Edited to add: Stephen, I think you are right, which would mean it was added when manufactured. Thanks.