4Th Gen Hirosada? & Book Advice?

[Pinmaster]

Now that I have a couple of swords to learn more about and start to gather more knowledge... I have one sword that I would like to ask the folks on NMB about.

 

I received the Markus Sesko book (Shinto-Meikan) this week and have The Connoisseur's Book Of Japanese Swords on the way.

 

I would like to know which Sesko or other book would give me the in-depth information on a particular smith.

 

I can see where the Sesko Shinto-Meikan book may help me identify a signature but would like to have a book that would describe the smiths style and characteristics of craftsmanship.

 

 

I have a possible gimei Hirosada that the new book helped with. The closest Hirosda in the book appears to be a 4th gen Hirosda. I have included pics for comparison and would like to hear what others may think.

 

Thanks,

Mike

 

 

 

 

[paulb]

Hi Mike

the mei on your sword is a long way of the one you have higlighted. Look at the way the kanji are constructed, their overall form and flow. Yours looks more contrived and square. They just dont look to be by the same hand. So I think your first comment about being gimei is probably correct.

Regarding information there are lots of alternatives. Some of the best (and best value) are Markus Sesko kantei volumes. These contain kantei examples from the NBTHK and each has a detailed description. There are a koto volume a shinto and shin-shinto volume and two supplements. So there are many examples of top quality swords to study. Also they will serve you for a very long time. I have a library dating back a lot of years and these works are always amongst the first I go for.

[Pinmaster]

Thanks Paulb

 

Would this be an example of the books that you mention above (for the Shinto era)?

 

http://www.lulu.com/shop/markus-sesko/shinto-shinshinto-kantei/paperback/product-20592413.html

 

I do not mind investing money in good sources of  study materials.

[paulb]

thats the one. see how you get on with that and your next step should be the others in the set. In combination with Nagayama (The Connoisseur's Book Of Japanese Swords) you will have an excellent start.