Translation Of Old Paper

[jct3602]

Sold by father back to Japan through John Yumoto around 1964-65.  Would like to know the details of the paper; know the signature is Kunisada 2 (Inoue Shinkai), but am interested in length, etc.  Any information would be appreciated.  Sorry for the orientation; flipped it 90 degrees and it still insisted on laying out this way.

 

yours, 

john twineham

[ROKUJURO]

I can only see dates.

[SteveM]

1st one is

真改前銘               Shinkai zen mei

井上和泉守国貞    Inoue Izumi-no-kami Kunisada

在銘                      Zaimei

時代寛文頃           Jidai Kanbun koro

七年八月日           Shichi nen Hachi gatsu-no-hi

長貮尺四寸有之    Nagasa 2 shaku 4 sun ari

正真也                  Shōshin nari

[SteveM]

2nd one (with some questions) is

 

代金子五百枚                       Dai kinshi 500 mai

右鑑定　白水（花押）         Migi kantei Hakusui (kaō)

昭和？拾五年七月廿八日     Showa ? 15?, July 28th

日本刀研究白水會                Nihontō Research Hakusui-kai

會長伊波白水                        Kaichō Inami Hakusui

 

I have never heard of this group, the "Nihontō Research Hakusui-kai". When I do a search for it, I get nothing. I'm also not exactly sure of the kanji after Shōwa, or if it is Shōwa (something) 5, or Shōwa (something) 15, but I'm guessing its Shōwa 15. 

 

Edit: The appraiser is Inami Hakusui (real name Inami Tomijirō), an author and key figure in the post-war sword appreciation community. If I'm not mistaken he or his sons also owned a sword shop on Aoyama street in Tokyo. The building their sword shop used to be in has recently been torn down, and replaced with a new building. 

[Brian]

Pics fixed and contrast enhanced,

[SteveM]

I guess the date in Japanese is 昭和貮拾五　(Shōwa 25) 

[jct3602]

Thanks to all, and SteveM especially.  The blade also had a tsunagi and full set of mounts, although i have no memory of what the koshirae looked like.  Was interesting in that it was the only Inoue Shinkai katana I have heard of that had a horimono.  Given the amount it sold for, it was either genuine or a very expensive fake.

 

yours,

john twineham

[BIG]

Hi John, shōshin nari, " genuine and outstanding " work..

 

seems your father sold a treasure..

 

Best