Interesting engraving on Wakizashi nakago

[robinalexander]

I came across this on Ebay-Netherlands and thought it might be worth posting.

 

A small engraving on the nakago.  The following is copied from the items description......

 

"The image/symbol on the tang is ENGRAVED and NOT stamped into the metal. I am told that the figure engraved into the Tang is one of the seven gods of Japan. I am told it is the "Happy Buddah" and I've also been told it is of the god "Daikoku", or "Daikokuten", one of the seven Gods of good luck/fortune-for agriculture, farmers, and wealth.  I have shown this blade to several acknowledged "experts"-all of whom want the blade but none of whom would/could tell me "specifics." "

 

Never seen anything like that myself and thought it may be better under this thread than a new one....but relocate if you wish.

 

For interest @Bruce Pennington

 

Rob

[Stegel]

Thanks Rob!

I've been looking for this one as i have already mentioned it to Bruce for his document.

I haven't been able to find it again!

Do you have any other photos or auction id ?

 

[robinalexander]

No probs @Stegel.

 

759. Japanese Sho-Shinto-Shirasaya type sword w/original scabbard and a sarasada | eBay

 

Rob

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Rob, that's definitely a new one for the files!  I'll have to expand the religious symbology section in the Stamps Doc. 

 

I have enjoyed learning new stuff as I come across these things.  Daikokuten was a god of "fortune and fertility".  The two bundles he's standing on are bags of rice.  He carries a mallet that creates things he wants and inside the bag is a fertility statue with large erect penis.  Here's a couple of things from Wikipedia clarifying what the blade engraving is trying to capture:

[robinalexander]

Very interesting Bruce thanks for that detailed information.  Enlightened yet again.

 

Once again proves that everything you think you see the first time, may not be quite right 

 

[DoTanuki yokai]

I wonder why it is on the nakago. 
The pictures don’t show if the blade is shortened :/