Wakazashi

[Ryujikan]

I just purchased a wakazashi and I would like to have the tang translated as well as find out more information about the smith that made it.

 

I was told it was made in the early 1600's.

 

Any help you can provide me will be appreciated.

 

I have provided some pictures to help determine as much information as we can.

 

Sincerely,

Frank

[Ryujikan]

More pics.

[Ryujikan]

Blade pics

[John A Stuart]

Hi Frank, I can translate all but the two kanji before Yoshikuni but I would expect Onitsuka if one of the early shinto smiths. Chikushu Yanagawa Ju ? ? Yoshikuni. Mid-Edo period (Kanbun). John

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

The mei reads

 

 

Chikushu Yanagigawa ju Onizuka Yoshikuni ç­‘å·žç­‘å·žä½é¬¼å¡š

 

 

Good smith who is rated jo-saku.

[Nobody]

May I correct the reading a little?

---> Chikushu Yanagawa ju Onizuka Yoshikuni (筑州柳å·ä½é¬¼å¡šå‰åœ‹)

 

According to a book of Tokuno sensei, there were at least three generations of Yoshikuni from Gen-na (元和) to Kanbun (寛文) era.

[Jacques]

Hi

 

I've forgotten the two last kanji

 

Concerning Yanagawa, i've seen Yanagigawa on Nihonto Koza (Different reading but same meaning?)

[Nobody]

Hi Jacques,

 

This Yanagawa is a proper noun; a well known place name in Chikushu. I do not know what the Yanagigawa in Nihonto Koza means.

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

 

Moriyama san,

 

After some research, i've found this:

 

yanagi 4c78　　柳　やãªãŽ

 

come from here. What do you think about this? i'm far from to be an expert in Japanese language :?

[John A Stuart]

Hi Jacques, Just a case of which reading is more appropriate. John

[Ryujikan]

Thank you all for your help. I was told Yoshi Kuni was a very good smith. Now I am on the hunt for a Katana made by the same smith.

 

Keep your eyes open for me and let me know if you see anything.

 

Does anyone have any idea what the wakazashi is pristine condition is worth from this smith? I do not intend to sell it but would love to know the value.

 

Thank you,

Frank

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Thanks John :D

 

Franck,

 

Does anyone have any idea what the wakazashi is pristine condition is worth from this smith? I do not intend to sell it but would love to know the value

 

First, being sure the signature is genuine.

[Ryujikan]

I have no reason to doubt the signature is real. The blade was aquired thorugh a very reputable source that has been dealing in Japanese swords for nearly 30 years.

 

Frank

[Jacques]

hi,

 

Well :D Is it possible to see the whole nakago?

[Walter]

I have no reason to doubt the signature is real. The blade was aquired thorugh a very reputable source that has been dealing in Japanese swords for nearly 30 years.

 

Frank

I remember this waki from eBay. It's from "toyamasamurai" right?

I was just a step away from buying it but had some other deals to finish.

It's a real beauty! Congrats!

[Jacques]

hi,

 

I remember this waki from eBay. It's from "toyamasamurai" right?

 

Ah...Ok... he's selling a wakizashi signed Iga no kami Kinmichi (shodai) which is hardly gimei

[Ryujikan]

I actually bought this Wakazashi in person and not from ebay. It may been listed there by the seller. He is in Orlando, Florida and is a respected Iaido teacher.

 

Sincerely,

Frank