Mysterious Origami

[Hoshi]

Hello, 

 

My name is Chris, and I am new to this forum (and to this hobby, although I've been doing my reading!). I have an Origami that requires translation assistance, and I was curious if some of you could clarify what is written, the author, as well a tentative statement on its reliability and historical context. 

 

Thank you very much for your help! It is deeply appreciated. 

 

-Chris H. 

[Red Sun]

I can't reliably help with the translation sorry, but in terms of historical context this looks like it may well be Kantei Kofuda - an early type of appraisal origami issued by the Honami family for swords worth up to five gold pieces.

 

However there are much more knowledgeable members here that I expect will be able to help further or correct the above.

Regards

Red

Neil M.

[Hoshi]

Bingo, a Kofuda. I just read the passage on Sesko's Honami book, it definitely matches. Now, the content remains mysterious... 

[SteveM]

Hello Chris, Do you have the sword that goes with this paper? 

[Hoshi]

Hello Steve, 

 

Yes, I do. I was going to open another thread about it once the puzzle above is solved. It's an interesting story, and I don't want to spoil it just yet... 

[SteveM]

The paper points to a pretty big name, I think. 

 

武州大慶直胤  Bushū Taikei Naotane

 

The vermilion seal on the paper says Hon'ami. I can't verify if its real or a forgery.

[Hoshi]

Thank you Steve,

 

Are there any other information aside from the Smith's name? Do we know which one of the hon'ami issued the paper and his reputation for the period, as well as the spread of forged papers of this sort at the time?

[Red Sun]

Not easy to fake - but easy to not be with the true sword that it was meant for.

Some images of the blade will help others on here give you an informed opinion, you may well have something very cool.

Red

Neil M

[Hoshi]

Hi Neil, 

 

I will make a thread with pictures (as soon as I manage to make decent looking pictures...) along with the story. I'm still looking for a kind and Kanji-versed person to complete the origami's translation! Is there a mention of size? date? value in coin?

 

Thank you so much,

 

Chris H.   

[SteveM]

I can't make out any of the cursive handwriting under 直胤. I can't even make out what appears to be 4 numbers on the other piece of paper, and those should be super simple...alas, they are indecipherable to me. The final number is "1", but the others?? 

The paper may come from one of the latter Hon'ami, 宗円 (Sōen?) is my guess. 

[Jean]

Morita sama, any idea?

[k morita]

Hi,

Blade length isn't written on this Kofuda.

 

This doubtful Kofuda says:

武州大慶直胤(Bushu Taikei Naotane)
時代　文政  (Bunsei period)
相見申候  [(I) see this sword just as a Naotane work]

 

Back side:
#3331 and the red stamp says Honami Koson (本阿彌光遜印).

[Hoshi]

Thank you so much for your help! It is enlightening. 

 

Does "see this sword just as a Naotane work" reflects a measure of uncertainty in judgement, or do all Kofuda of Honami Koson judging mumei sword use the same wording? 

 

Also, by doubtful - do you mean by that all Kofuda are doubtful, or that the calligraphy/characteristics/content of this Kufuda make me doubt its authenticity? 

 

One last point, by "Bunsei period" chronologically refers to the early days of Naotane's work. Is it meant convey such information, or is it simply a general statement on the period?