3 Mekugi Ana Muromachi Tanto Posting For Morning Debate Haha

[Blazeaglory]

Hello all.

 

I've read some opinions and theories in regards to this kind of tanto. Personally I kinda like it as it brings a kind of story to the blade (regardless of determination) . If there was any attempt at deceit it surprisingly would only bother me if it was a contemporary or modern attempt but if it was an older more ancient attempt it seems to me that would be part of the blades journey.

 

I don't know but this tanto found me. Anyone familiar with this blade or can see better than I to make out Mei ? Opinions?

 

D

 

https://flic.kr/p/282ZS59

[Jussi Ekholm]

From the pic I'd guess it has been sold by Aoi-Art at some point. Signature could possibly be X貞 - X Sada?

[Blazeaglory]

From the pic I'd guess it has been sold by Aoi-Art at some point. Signature could possibly be X貞 - X Sada?

Yes they take very good pics!

 

That's as far as I got as well. Until I have blade in hand no matter what I do my eyes can't make out the Mei(not that it really matters overall).

 

Also I've seen the Mekugi Ana plugged up or "fitted" with that brass/copper/gold mixture but not many with what looks like clay or actual antique JB Weld?

[ROKUJURO]

BLAZEAGLORY,

what is your name please? 

Often MEKUGI-ANA are plugged with lead.

The blade seems in good condition, so a Japanese SHINSA will certainly be able to complete the MEI and tell the smith. If the seller (AOI ?) did not present it to a SHINSA while the blade is in Japan, you should be prepared that it might be GI-MEI. 

[Blazeaglory]

BLAZEAGLORY,

 

what is your name please?

 

Often MEKUGI-ANA are plugged with lead.

 

The blade seems in good condition, so a Japanese SHINSA will certainly be able to complete the MEI and tell the smith. If the seller (AOI ?) did not present it to a SHINSA while the blade is in Japan, you should be prepared that it might be GI-MEI.

Thank you! My name is Dwain from southern California!

 

I understand Gi Mei but old forgery is interesting to me. Funny how so much has advanced and society hasn't changed much. I'm not judging this item yet as authentic Mei but the chance is there it's authentic. Such is the gamble of life I guess

 

If the Mei is real or not doesn't matter much because I became interested in this blade before noticing it even had a possible Mei! I like blades such as this for the conversation I guess haha plus the history and beauty. But would be nice for authentic.

 

Ahh yes i forgot about lead for mekugi ana! Also Do you happen to see any detail in the Mei? I think I count 3 characters maybe? I think the blade length is almost 8 inches and seems to date to middle or late Muromachi?

 

Thank you all for the conversation! The fact that allot of us couldn't dream of adding another hole on the nakago is another example of the comparisons of different times.

[Ken-Hawaii]

The mekugiana actually tell us a lot. The holes were chiseled, rather than drilled, which indicates (in most instances) a Koto blade. And the fact that the new ana was made right in the middle of the mei tells me that the owner who had it done probably wasn't impressed that the mei was shoshin when he had a new tsuka made.

 

As far as jidai, why don't you check out member Markus Sesko's very-useful kantei series at https://markussesko.com/kantei/, especially https://markussesko.com/2015/04/13/kantei-1-sugata-7/.

[ROKUJURO]

Dwain,

it is a nice and interesting blade that certainly has its history. The shape could indeed point to MUROMACHI JIDAI; I think I see a slight UCHI-ZORI. The signature (could be something like YOSHISADA) is less important than the general quality of the blade. 

Your TANTO can certainly be enjoyed as is, but I understand that you are also interested in its history.   

For more information: http://www.nihonto.com/the-tanto-%E7%9F%AD%E5%88%80/

[Blazeaglory]

Thank you. I haven't seen those sites yet looks like a bunch of great information. Ill definitely read through that later after work

 

AOI dated it to mid/late Muromachi, can't remember which one but was unsure of Mei but had some ideas tho. One of the Sukesada smiths possibly. Well let's just say Sada for now haha but the more I look at the Mei the more it looks like it might be referring to a date? Doesn't really look like a "Sada" character to me in pics but then again I'm a rookie so what do I know

 

Here's another couple pics

 

https://flic.kr/p/NECamW

 

https://flic.kr/p/2aNeRBZ

[Blazeaglory]

Sadamune? Haha