Looking For An Identification For A Wakizashi

[Fabisuke]

Hello,

 

This is my first post, my name is Fabio. I came into the (temporary) possession of a wakizashi that I am supposed to take to Japan as a gift for someone. The person who entrusted me with this is a collector, but could not tell me all that much about the blade. When I showed the chokoku inscription to an expert of the Royal Armoury I was told that it reads Hizen-no-kuni Ju Tadayoshi. Upon further research using Robert Robertshaw's book this points to a first generation Tadayoshi sword, between 1615 and 1624. I cannot quite believe that somebody would just casually hand me something as precious and rare as that, so my question to you is: how common are fake blades? And how can one tell the difference between a real Tadayoshi blade and an inferior imitation/copy (if these terms even apply)?

 

Thanks for your time,

 

Fabio

Chokoku on the Wakizashi.pdf

[ROKUJURO]

Fabio,

welcome to the board!

It was a good idea to ask for advice here! That might save you from a lot of trouble!

First thing: You cannot bring a sword into Japan. It will be confiscated and you can expect a severe penalty. You need a local agent with a permit to handle swords, and he has to receive the blade from the customs. The new owner needs a permit as well to be allowed to own that sword. It will then be registrated as in his possession.

As a non-specialist you are probably not able to tell a genuine first generation TADAYOSHI from a copy. Probably there are many more copies on the market than genuine ones! And it is not just the signature that tells you about the difference but much more so the many properties and details in the blade that you have to learn to see in a long process. Everything is experience in this field, and that takes years of studying good genuine blades.

A blade with a false signature may still look good, be well made and not necessarily be inferior, but for collectors it will not have the same value of course. 

Your picture shows a pencil rubbing of a tang, but it is not made like a real OSHIGATA and will not help much to judge the signature of the blade in question, I think. 

So wait a moment before you jump into the airplane with a sword in your hand!   
 

[Ken-Hawaii]

Very good advice, Fabio! Do NOT try to hand-carry any blade into Japan, unless you are interested in spending time in jail or prison, & then being deported with a very-empty wallet.

 

Finding an agent to handle this blade should be left to the person who gave it to you...& who likely isn't your best friend.

[Ray Singer]

It seems likely that the individual who gave you this sword did not do his homework. Regardless, please listen to the advice given by Jean and Ken...

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Lee Bray]

Up to three swords can legally be hand carried into Japan at a time. I've done it myself, twice.

That said, I was with my sword mentor who organised the paperwork so my knowledge of the process is limited.

Essentially you need an agent in Japan who will be the recipient of the sword for whatever reason, be it restoration or shinsa. From them you need a letter agreeing to receive the sword.

You declare the sword at customs and they will lead you to the police registration area. A chap comes and measures and inspects your sword and checks that you have somewhere to take the sword(your letter from the receiver). He then gives you the registration paper and away you go.

I believe you can only do it at Narita airport, not Haneda.

 

You mention Roger Robertshaw...find his email and send him photos of your sword. He's happy to give his qualified opinion on whether your sword is genuine or not.

He is also the mentor that took me through Japan airport with swords so may be able to help with that.

[Ed Harbulak]

Fabio,

I looked at the rubbing of the signature on the sword in question and it is indeed a fake or forgery. The second character, zen of Hi-zen, is not written the way the main line Tadayoshi family wrote that character. It's written correctly in Japanese, but the Tadayoshi family had their own style of writing that character which doesn't appear on your sword. You have been given good advice, so proceed carefully. You may also contact Roger Robertshaw who I'm sure will give you additional good information and advice.