Kunimune Tanto

[DTM72]

I can't quite make out the first kanji, but this tanto appears to be signed Rai Kunimune. I'm trying to make a point to myself, and looking for other input on this one.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353547612192?hash=item5251147020:g:EUsAAOSwma5g1XFS

 

[PietroParis]

A search in the forum reveals that the seller has a somewhat mixed reputation:

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/search/?&q=daimyou54eb

[Katsujinken]

- In Japan

- Not papered / green papers

- On eBay

 

Whenever 2 or more of these things are true, you should run away (unless you can kantei with the best of them). 

[ROKUJURO]

In the description:

There are few cracks

 

[Shugyosha]

Dan,

If you can't read the first kanji (I can't either and neither could the Japanese guy who wrote the Torokusho) how can you conclude which Kunimune signed the blade? Even if the signature was readable and said Rai Kunimune, why would you conclude that the signature was genuine without further proof?

 

For such a high ranked smith only a current NBTHK paper is worth anything (see Michael's comments above).

[Bugyotsuji]

1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said:

In the description:

There are few cracks

 

There are few cracks = There are not many cracks.

[ROKUJURO]

12 minutes ago, Bugyotsuji said:

There are few cracks = There are not many cracks.

Piers,

probably you are right. I understood it more as: THERE ARE (A) FEW CRACKS.

But be it as it may: There is not much consolation in the fact that there might be not so many cracks! 

[DTM72]

3 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

In the description:

There are few cracks

 

I noticed that statement in every item he is selling. Even tsuba say that too. lol

[Brian]

He means there are A few cracks. That gets him out of most claims about condition.

[DTM72]

9 hours ago, Katsujinken said:

- In Japan

- Not papered / green papers

- On eBay

 

Whenever 2 or more of these things are true, you should run away (unless you can kantei with the best of them). 

 

1 hour ago, Shugyosha said:

Dan,

If you can't read the first kanji (I can't either and neither could the Japanese guy who wrote the Torokusho) how can you conclude which Kunimune signed the blade? Even if the signature was readable and said Rai Kunimune, why would you conclude that the signature was genuine without further proof?

 

For such a high ranked smith only a current NBTHK paper is worth anything (see Michael's comments above).

After reading your posts, you have helped me prove a point to myself. (I had all these points in my head as I was reading the listing)

Why on earth would a Rai Kunimune (son of the famed Kunitoshi) be on eBay from a sword dealer for a measly $999? Ain't no way this is a "Diamond in the rough" that he just overlooked and didn't realize what he had. Last point to myself, if it were half of a decent blade...putting the signature to the side, why is it not papered by NBTHK? I would think that is a small investment for a dealer in Japan to obtain papers to boost confidence in your product.

 

Many thanks to all who responded. Your input is greatly appreciated!

[Brian]

Top of the forum. Read the new improved FAQ. There are sections on buying swords etc, and eBay. Lots to learn there.

[TheGermanBastard]

This would have been a slightly better bet

 

Bid Now: Rare Koto era Japanese Samurai TANTO Dagger ~ Signed RAI KUNITOSHI ~ Circa 1300s ~ in Full Polish with Fine Grained Patterns & Perfect Hamon Temper Line ~ In Shira-Saya Case. - August 6, 0121 10:00 AM CDT (invaluable.com)

[Gakusee]

How much did the tanto go for? 

[Kaigunto230]

@Gakusee Just closed a few minutes ago for $7500 (plus shipping and 23% buyer premium, so north of $9200). *low whistle*

https://bid.sofedesignauctions.com/lots/view/4-39AP2I/rare-koto-era-Japanese-samurai-tanto-dagger-signed-rai-kunitoshi-circa-1300s


EDIT: Sorry, this was the one @NihontoCollector was looking at, not the original one that led to this thread.

[TheGermanBastard]

If that supposed Rai Kunimune would have been in rusty condition in a garage sale I would have been very interested ... but looking at these blades and the perfect Japanese polish on this one I think one does not have to get out the books ...

[Gakusee]

Thanks, Michael. I looked at it, initially dismissed it as gimei but then some doubts crept in that there is a bit of a chance of daisaku mei. But the condition of the jigane was not good. 

[TheGermanBastard]

PS: Not wanting to hijack that topic but I liked this one: Bid Now: Very Good Japanese Samurai WAKIZASHI Sword ~ Signed Koto or early Shinto Blade with Red Enamel Fuler ~ Nice Hamon ~ Fine Gold Inlaid Kozuka Knife & Kogai Hair Pin. - August 6, 0121 10:00 AM CDT (invaluable.com)

 

Probably Shoshin. Could be a nice piece.

[TheGermanBastard]

1 minute ago, Gakusee said:

Thanks, Michael. I looked at it, initially dismissed it as gimei but then some doubts crept in that there is a bit of a chance of daisaku mei. But the condition of the jigane was not good. 

 

To me the Shintetsu would not have been a show stopper if shoshin.

[Gakusee]

Just now, NihontoCollector said:

 

To me the Shintetsu would not have been a show stopper if shoshin.

To me, it would have and was.  If you buy Rai, you want proper Rai - flawless hada, nice jinie, beautiful hamon….. Here there were remnants of some nice jinie and chikei here and there but overall disappointing 

[Jussi Ekholm]

I think the Kunimune in the opening post might have the bottom kanji for Uda (宇多) showing above Kunimune, with first one missing. Still not a genuine Uda Kunimune signature either in my opinion.