Tsuba translations

[kissakai]

I thought I'd try again with this request so I have decided to spit this post up a bit

 

T363
Atsuyoshi  乃吉 carved 彫 this
I have a query about this kanji 吉 as it doesn’t seem right for Atsuyoshi

 

[Bugyotsuji]

You’ll find that some artisans changed their Kanji slightly on purpose. This can be a way of individualizing, and for you, cross-checking if it’s the same person or not. 

The correct form is 吉 with a longer upper line, said to be samurai 士 at the top. An alternative ‘non-correct’ form can sometimes be found with earth 土 on top (among kabuto makers too). Make a mental note as you compare with others.

 

So, does Akiyoshi do this deliberately? Or has a faker added a ‘wrong’ stroke as a sign on purpose, which is a way for some to assuage their conscience.

[kissakai]

Thanks Piers and I'll try to find some mei examples for this maker