I need your opinion for my Suriage / Wakizashi

[Catalin]

Hello everyone,

 

Recently I had the opportunity to acquire a Japanese blade that, to my eyes, appears to be authentic. That said, I would be truly grateful for any thoughts, insights, or suggestions from those of you with more experience and access to specialized resources. I’m hoping to learn more about the possible smith, the approximate period in which it was forged, and to hear your honest impressions of the blade itself.

 

Following the advice of a respected forum's member, I’ve done my best to take clear photos on a dark background—though I didn’t have anything black on hand, unfortunately.

 

It’s evident that the blade was shortened at some point (suriage), which likely resulted in the loss of the mei. However, two bonji inscriptions remain visible on the nakago. The upper character is, without doubt, Fudō Myō-ō. As for the second one, I believe it may represent Monju Bosatsu—but I would very much appreciate your opinions on this.

 

The blade will definitely need a professional polish to restore its former beauty. At first, the hamon was barely visible due to fingerprints and accumulated grime. Since I don’t have a proper cleaning kit, I lightly wiped the blade with lemon juice, which helped reveal the hamon slightly—but of course, a proper polish is the only way to bring it out fully and safely.

 

Any information that might help identify the time period, the school or smith, or confirm the second bonji would be most welcome.

 

P.S.: I’ve opened this thread to avoid confusion with a different blade I inquired about some time ago.

 

Thank you very much in advance for your time and expertise!

 

 

 

 

[Catalin]

And more photos 

 

 

 

 

[oli]

i don't think this is a Mei, it looks for me like a Horimono and that this sword was greatly shortened.

[Scogg]

SUKEN horimono on one side, Bonji characters on the other - and suriage. Sounds like you've got that part understood 

The bonji character is hard to identify. I think your guess of Monju Bosatsu is as good as any. Maybe Dianichi myorai, Kwannon, or Marichiten? Really hard to tell, and I am just pulling from the link below... I'm not very familiar with BONJI, and they are typically just religious symbolism as far as I understand. 

Here's the link to compare some bonji characters, from Ray's website (a great resource). 
https://swordsofjapan.com/nihonto-library/Japanese-bonji/

I'd recommend against using lemon juice, or any other acidic solutions or chemicals on your blade. It can cause problems, damage, and promote rusting. What's done is done, but it's generally taboo and should be avoided. High proof isopropyl alcohol with a non abrasive cloth, wiped dry, and followed with and a very light coating of light oil should be used instead (blade only). 
https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/faq/1-care-and-maintenance/

Very hard to judge a blade based on photos, especially if the condition is not superb. This might be a candidate that you'll have to get into the hands of someone knowledgable to learn more.
All I can really say with any confidence is what has already been shared: I believe it's a genuine nihonto that's been greatly shortened. If I had to guess based on just the images, I'd probably go SHINTO period - but that's really a shot in the dark. 

Hope others provide some interesting feedback.
All the best,
-Sam

[Jacques]

This sword has obviously undergone a lot of polishing since it was suriage. Don't forget that the thickening stone hasn't yet been invented, and further polishing could lead to an even worse situation.

[Catalin]

4 hours ago, Scogg said:

...... I think your guess of Monju Bosatsu is as good as any.......

   Dear Sam, 

 

Thank you for your message. I had assumed that the second bonji on my suriage might correspond to Monju Bosatsu, as when I overlay the bonji from my blade onto that character, it seems to be the closest match. What do you think – doesn’t it seem the most likely, judging by the photos I’ve attached? 

 

 

 

[Scogg]

Thank you for the comparison. When seeing them side-by-side like that, I would agree, it does seem most likely
 

[Catalin]

So, looking at the shape and style of the carvings, there’s really no chance of finding a few blades that were engraved by the same swordsmith, in order to figure out who actually made it? From what I understood for sure is a Koto period blade, possibly from Muromachi era , but still not sure 🤷‍♂️. Any other suggestions? 

[Scogg]

Hi Catalin, 

Your observation that the engravings will not identify a swordsmith is correct. This is one of those blades, that due to suriage and condition, it's really hard to ID - especially from photos. You may not be satisfied with any ID we can offer - short of sending it to an expert.

Muromachi jidai is believable to me. 
Still hoping someone else comments and offers some more insights. 
All the best,
-Sam

[Catalin]

17 hours ago, Scogg said:

Hi Catalin, 

Your observation that the engravings will not identify a swordsmith is correct. This is one of those blades, that due to suriage and condition, it's really hard to ID - especially from photos. You may not be satisfied with any ID we can offer - short of sending it to an expert.

Muromachi jidai is believable to me. 
Still hoping someone else comments and offers some more insights. 
All the best,
-Sam

Thank you Sam , your comment is much appreciated. 

Best regards