Toshinaga, confirmation required.

[EdWolf]

Yesterday, I have found a nice kozuka. It's signed and I think the signature is Nara Toshinaga but I'm not 100 percent sure. All help will be highly appreciated.

 

[Bugyotsuji]

If that first character is an artistic way of writing 奈 Na of 奈良 Nara, then the rest is as you say, Ed. 

[EdWolf]

Thank you very much Piers!

[Kurikata]

There are 2 Nara Toshinaga listed in Haynes, H10469 (Son of Toshiharu) considered as the 3rd master of the Nara family school (Big name) and H 10473, son of the previous one . 

 

More information on: https://yuhindo.com/nara-tsuba/

[EdWolf]

Thank you Bruno for the additional information. The way it's signed suggests the 3rd master but I doubt if this piece is a true masterpiece.

Still a nice kozuka.

[Kurikata]

Ed,

 

I wouldn't be a prophet of doom and gloom but neither the design nor the refined expected skills can drive to Toshinaga's work (please refer to https://collections.mfa.org/advancedsearch/Objects/peopleSearch%3ANara Toshinaga) . Nevertheless a nice suaka kozuka !

[EdWolf]

Hi Bruno,

I was not expecting a masterpiece at all. I try to read the mei to improve my skills. I bought the kozuka because I liked the design and the price was right. Not because it was signed. For me personally buying high end items is risky and out of reach. Thanks for all the information provided.