Endo Mitsuoki with Horimono

[Matsunoki]

I have been very fortunate (imo) to become the current custodian of this sword. It was briefly posted on this forum quite a few years ago but I am pleased to show it again with a few more images. I would greatly appreciate any and all comments/opinions as I’m sure knowledge has increase dramatically in more recent years. I also hope some of you enjoy looking at it despite my poor images. The habaki and the press stud are silver. The saya is metal. When first posted “Nobody” on this forum translated the 2 Mei and I attach an image of that. I think it is a very elegant blade that has obviously seen action and survived.

I have a couple of specific questions-

-can anyone say what the Kanji on the leather saya cover tell us?

-do we know anything new about the smith or the horimono cutter?

Many thank in advance

Nagasa 71.1cm

Motohaba 2.92cm

Sakihaba 1.79cm

Motokasane 7.76mm

Sakikasane 4.42mm

 

[Matsunoki]

[Matsunoki]

[lucidorise]

Hi Matsunoki,

 

Nice blade!! Horimono is done by abe akitada (picture below)

 

Ronnie

[PNSSHOGUN]

Very nice, it is quite difficult to find good quality Horimono on swords made during the war era.

[Bruce Pennington]

From Marcus Sesko's book:

[Brendan campbell]

I had the pleasure of inspecting this, marvellous sword this morning , I could have purchased  it about 3 months ago.!!! 
another one of life great mistakes. It was all down to photos and not having the sword in my hands. Anybody else , same mistake.

[Matsunoki]

1 hour ago, Brendan campbell said:

I had the pleasure of inspecting this, marvellous sword this morning , I could have purchased  it about 3 months ago.!!! 

Brendan, hello. Lovely rare sword. I only let it go because it needed a polish and had a couple of small ha chips. 
Has it been polished?

It was a sword that always perplexed me. 
Best.Colin
(and yes…..made tons of bad decisions over the years!)

[Brendan campbell]

Hi Colin, it’s not been stared yet.the chip will polish out , but 1st  it’s a fabulous sword ,2nd  it’s the best horimono I’ve ever taken the time to really study close at hand, 3rd the tang being double signed by the smith and the ingraver are in their own rights a work of art . When it’s polished to the high standard I know it will turn out , it’s the perfect package. As and when it’s finished I will , with the new owners permission send you some pictures.regards Brendan 

[Matsunoki]

14 hours ago, Brendan campbell said:

As and when it’s finished I will , with the new owners permission send you some pictures.regards Brendan 

Brendan, that will be very interesting. My concerns re polishing centered around the absolute need to leave the horimono totally untouched and also the potential change in the sugata that would result from removing the ha chips. It is already a slender blade with quite heavy tapering. I ummed and ahhhd about whether to go ahead or not so,let’s see if I’ve also made a bad judgement! Either way it’s a seriously rare Gendai package. I hope the new owner allows images!

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Was the Kanji on the leather cover ever deciphered?

[Matsunoki]

47 minutes ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

Was the Kanji on the leather cover ever deciphered?

John, screen shot of the only attempt that I’m aware of….

[Brian]

People try literally translating Japanese into English. Doesn't work that way.
I'm betting it is just a name, or the smith's name with kore as "made"
Likely an attempt at a surrender tag or identification. I wouldn't put any stock into that translation.

[Brendan campbell]

Hi Colin, yes the owner , myself and the polisher sat around on Saturday morning discussing the do,s and dont,s . I’m in total agreement with you , it will be a very challenging task, but you viewed his work on my Sadashige and Kanetomo. He’s polished 2 Moritsugu,s a Ko-Isshin also 1 of my earlier swords he polished was Bizen Masanari. I will try and pop some photos on herefor you to cast your eyes over . 

Edited June 23, 2024 by Brendan campbell
Missed an e out on here .

[Brendan campbell]

Some more .

[PNSSHOGUN]

One is led to believe that polishing such intricate Horimono is an art within itself, and a job for the right Japanese qualified Togishi - not something you would throw to whoever is simply available and convenient.