Yesterday's Wakizashi Acquisition

[Nick H]

My first Nihonto and help would be very much appreciated with the translation of the attached mei.

I hope it's real !!! Additional photos can be provided.

Thanks.

Nick H

[Ray Singer]

Izumo Daijo Fujiwara Yoshitake

[Nick H]

Many thanks Ray.

I am a complete beginner so please forgive my ignorance. Is Yoshiuji the last name of the smith? And if so, what do we know of him or where else can I go to find out more about this Wakizahi? Originality, knowledge of the smith, period etc.

Any additional feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

Nick H

[Ray Singer]

Correction above to Yoshitake.

 

出雲大掾藤原吉武

 

Izumo Daijo (given title) Fujiwara (clan name) Yoshitake (swordsmith art name).

 

If you search online for that name you will find reference examples and information.

[Ray Singer]

https://www.aoijapan.net/katana-izumo-daijo-fujiwara-yoshitake-first-generation/

[Nick H]

Many thanks again Ray.

 

Now I have a real focus for additional research. 1st generation, 2nd etc and of course to try to determine originality of the the Mei and condition assessment of the blade.

 

Nick H

[Geraint]

Hi Nick.

 

We'd all like to see more photos, meanwhile here's a link to get you going,   http://www.sho-shin.com  (Link doesn't want to work for me, copy and paste it into a browser).   Go to the Shinto arrow and the Horikawa school.

 

Most people agree that there were three generations though not all sources have this.  I'll dig out some more info when I have time.

 

All the best.

[Nick H]

Hi Geraint,

 

I'll take and post some more pics early next week and thanks for you interest.

 

All input is most welcome.

 

Cheers.

[Nick H]

Additional pics as promised. Apologies for quality but I hope they help.

 

Blade is 24 1/4" and OAL is 27 1/4".

 

Cheers,

 

Nick

[Nick H]

Sorry. I don't know what happened to the pics. I'll try again.

[Ray Singer]

The nakago appears to be longer than 3" and the blade looks like a wakizashi. Is the nagasa perhaps less than 24.25"?

 

 

Blade is 24 1/4" and OAL is 27 1/4".

 

[Geraint]

Dear Nick.

 

My apologies if this is obvious but the length we are interested in is from the tip to the notch on the back of the blade where the habaki rests.  If this dimension is less than 24" then the blade is a wakizashi, if greater then it is a katana.  From the proportions, as Ray says, this appears to be a wakizashi.

 

If you look at the mei that Ray has provided the link to you will note that Yoshitake usually signs with a narrow stroke and the downward slope to the first character is a trade mark which yours does not have.  The same inconsistencies follow throughout the signature so I am afraid that at his stage I would suggest that it is gimei.  Doesn't mean that it's not a nice sword though.

 

All the best.

[Nick H]

My mistake on the blade / Nagasaki.

The OAL is 27 3/8". The nakago is 5 7/8" and the Nagasaki is 21 1/4".

 

Thanks,

 

Nick