Author of Hakogaki request

[Michael 101]

Dear members,

 

does anyone recognise the signature of the author of the attached hakogaki ? 
 

I dont wish to trouble anyone over the full translation just looking to find out who wrote it.

 

its not a familiar one to me and Im unable to work out the signature - hoping someone will be able to assist?

 

kindest regards 

 

Michael 

[SteveM]

Hello Michael

I'm very glad you posted this, because it intrigued me also. It is part of a trove of tsuba, most of which have hakogaki signed by Kazutaro Torigoye. This box carries the unique inscription of 鏡眠, which is probably pronounced Kyōmin. But I know nothing of this appraiser, so hopefully someone can fill in the blanks. 

 

I have never seen another hakogaki signed with this name. It is not one of Torigoye's regular pseudonyms, but considering the writing style and the provenance, I can't help but wonder if there is a connection to Torigoye himself. If not one of his own signatures, then one of his associates or apprentices perhaps. 

 

Hope someone knows. 

 

 

[Michael 101]

Hello Steve,

 

thank you for your feedback.

 

I relieved to read Im not the only one that had been struggling and scratching their head over this one. Its nicely written as you say, fingers crossed another member can point us both in the right direction.

 

This is the associated tsuba for others to see.

 

kindest regards

 

Michael 

 

 

 

 

 

[SteveM]

It's written almost exactly like Torigoye writes his hakogaki. Particularly 

1. The use of 銘曰 (instead of 在銘 or just 銘). This to me is a strong indicator of an association with Torigoye.

2. The use of 竪 (tate) in the description of the size of the tsuba, although the writing of the individual kanji are different. 

3. The overall syntax/grammar of the writing, reminds me strongly of Torigoye. 

The date is December 1971, so this was just as Torigoye was changing his art name from Sarō to Taizan. Very curious to know if there is a connection to him. 

 

Anyway, as you can tell, I'm interested in this inscription. 

If we don't get any new clues here, maybe Robert Haynes or Elliot Long at shibuiswords might have an idea.