A weird "Hizen"duck... or is it?

[16k]

I bought this sword a long time ago from a reputed French dealer. I consider it my first real Nihonto as my very first was actually a Showato in older mounts. 

 

This blade came in a simple yet elegant handachi koshirae with a maroon saya, black ito and darkened red copper fittings. It is an 18th century blade I think. Nagasa is 76.5 cm.

 

It is signed "Hizen Kuni Takayuki" and here the issues start:

 

For a Hizen blade, the mei is on the wrong side, it’s in ko Itame Hada, nioi deki and this "Takayuki " is absolutely unknown.

 

So here are the theories, starting with mine and followed by Pierluigi's, the polisher. I’d like to here your opinion too:

 

• I’ve always believed the blade was made by a Meikan More who either died before being recorded or by a blacksmith making agrarian tools and the occasional sword (not many swords were produced in the 18th century). It could also have been made by an apprentice.
• Another theory of mine is that it was perhaps made by a Bungo Takeda swordsmith. We know that an offshoot of that line settled in Hizen in the 18th century. Many had a "yuki" in their name. Sadly, the issue is they used another Kanji.
• Now, Pierluigi thinks the sword is Gimei and that the signature was carved later to pass it as a Hizen sword. It is a very valid possibility that to me begs for a question: if you’re going to make a Gimei Hizen blade, why choose an unknown smith and not make it a Tadayoshi or a Tadakuni? Especially since I guess everyone knows Hizen swords had their katana mei on the other side!

 

Your opinions and suggestions are welcome!

[DoTanuki yokai]

https://www.google.de/amp/s/markussesko.com/2013/03/12/the-great-flood-of-the-yoshii-river/amp/
 

In this article by Markus Sesko you will find nara mono. Maybe your blade is one of them ? Just another idea, I’m no expert.

[16k]

Quite interesting Christian, thank you.

[16k]

154 views and no replies?

 

I guess you guys are as baffled as I am!