Sword Smith

[Richmond]

Hi all, like many others I am new to this site and in fact collecting Japanese swords.

I have purchased what I believe a nice representation of a Wakizashi. I have been told it comes from a swordsmith by the name of Toshishige there was also a reference to Toshi-Hiro. I think it is the same smith but am getting confused as I cannot find a reference to this smith.

 

Any info would be helpful.

Cheers

Steven L

[Stephen]

Hawleys has a few Toshishige mostly working for the Minamoto clan, mid 1600's to early 1700's

[drbvac]

Heres a link to a Ken by Toshishige

 

http://web.me.com/joseph.kraninger/Joes ... 07%29.html

[John A Stuart]

There are quite a few smiths named Toshishige Koto and Shinto eras. A couple had other names at times, but, I couldn't specifically find one that used Toshihiro. I will check further. Age would help and any other info. John

[Richmond]

You guys are the best! it is so difficult especially in Country Australia to find anyone with an interest in nihonto. Sheep and wheat yes, even tractor's.

I feel very welcome here thanks guys. I will checkout the mentioned links.

Steven L

[John A Stuart]

I checked some books and I can not find any Toshishige that used the name Toshihiro or even Toshihiro smiths concurrent to the Toshishige smiths. Others may have better luck. John

[Richmond]

More information, I purchased the nihonto from nihonto Australia it is still there listed under Wakizashi Toshishige(sold) about 3/4 of the way down.........

 

Steven L

[Stephen]

http://www.nihonto.com.au/html/toshi_hi ... zashi.html

[Richmond]

Yeah Stephen, thats it. It is beautiful to me which is all that matters. I am just trying to find out more about the smith but being a novice my resourses are limited.

Any info on the smith would be great!

 

steven L

[John A Stuart]

I tried to read the origami, but, it was toofuzzy blown up for my eyes. It is mumei is it not? I would ask the dealer why the header says Toshishige, but, every photo says Toshihiro. John

[Nobody]

According to the paper, it is mumei and attributed to Hamabe Toshishige (浜部壽重). “Toshihiro” seems to be a writing error made by the seller.

[Richmond]

I am humbled, exactly right. I spoke to dealer and yes you are spot on. The waki is labelled correctly as a toshishige it is mumie and it was a typo with the labelling of the images toshi-hiro.

I can now just study and enjoy my beautiful new friend, thanks so much.

 

Steven L

[David Flynn]

G'day Steven and welcome aboard. I'm in Sydney and there are a few other Aussies posting on this forum as well.

[Stephen]

Steven

 

I think you did well for a first sword, other have done much worst, enjoy your new sword and welcome to the NMB

[Richmond]

Thanx for the welcome David and Stephen. I thought long and hard before I purchased my first sword. Alot of the credit must go to the dealer whose advise was invaluable and informative thanks John.

The only problem is my appreciation of swords is like a virus! the more I learn the more I want to learn. I suppose thats not a bad thing.

 

Thanks guys

Steven L

Dubbo

[drbvac]

Thats a great thing but it is like a virus it can spread through your life and take over parts of it so learn all you can before the dollars start flying out the door

 

Nice first pick by the way - very nice!