Tango with Snake chasing a Frog

[Breezy]

I would appreciate any assistance translating the text/ signature on this antique Tanto. I have added an image of the blade tang with rather worn marks and guard which is more legible. Any assistance on blade type would be helpful too! Thanks

[Breezy]

I'll add that while I was able to dismantle the knife carefully and have retained all the parts, I thought it wise not to attempt any kind of cleaning or restoration without advice. The marks may come up a little better. I am assuming this is mid 19th century, but perhaps Edo is not a stretch? In any event I love the various beasts and it looks wickedly effective as a small fighting knife. The whole blade is 33cm, and 22cm to from tip to the bronze mount with a 'seal'? aperture.

[nulldevice]

The blade is signed Kunimitsu 国光. Avoiding any type of self-cleaning or polish is a wise choice.

 

Do you have any pictures of the full blade out of its fittings? 

[Breezy]

Thanks for the translation. Was that from the blade tang or the more legible guard piece? Attached are a couple more photos of the whole blade and it's attendant small knife, housed in side of the scabbard. The blade itself looks designed to be fairly effective, but it lacks any sign of the wavy watermarking that Japanese katana are famous for. I appreciated your prompt response. I know my way round Scottish basket hilt swords, Japanese blades are an exciting unknown to me.

[nulldevice]

It came from the blade tang or "nakago" of the tanto. Many smiths over the centuries have signed Kunimitsu ranging from average smiths to top level master smiths.

The smaller utility knife is called a kogatana and it is housed in a handle called a kozuka which can usually be carefully removed and might reveal another signature (which may be the maker or a tribute to a swordmaker from what I've learned). They can be finicky to separate at times due to dirt and grime holding them in place.

 

There very well could be a nice hamon (wavy watermarking) hiding under that rust and patina but depending on how deep the rust is and how tired the blade is (i.e. how many times was it polished previously and is there much meat left on the blade when accounting for rust and the previous polishes which each remove a little bit of metal), a polish could reveal much, but will also cost a pretty penny.

[Breezy]

Thank you for your insight. I will take a closer look at the kogatana. I assumed the Kunimitsu signature was likely to be rather later than the 14th century. The Chinese also loved to honour previously important names in the same way. In any event it's an interesting enigma. It looks so artful in various sections and worthy of a frame. I'll see if I can find a local restorer to help me. If any further marks appear I'll post them up here.

[uwe]

Fuchi seems to be signed “利壽” (Toshinaga), but I’m not sure…

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Check a list of Kinko artisans under Toshinaga, but if not, then try Toshihisa, Riju, etc., to find a reading that fits, as each one will have had a personal preferred reading.

[Bugyotsuji]

10 hours ago, Breezy said:

Thank you for your insight. I will take a closer look at the kogatana. I assumed the Kunimitsu signature was likely to be rather later than the 14th century. The Chinese also loved to honour previously important names in the same way. In any event it's an interesting enigma. It looks so artful in various sections and worthy of a frame. I'll see if I can find a local restorer to help me. If any further marks appear I'll post them up here.

There is a polisher of Japanese swords in Scotland called Les, a good man. I'd advise showing it to him before any local restorer, if only for some sound advice and direction.

[ROKUJURO]

13 hours ago, Breezy said:

.....I'll see if I can find a local restorer to help me.......

Please don't do this until it is a traditionally trained person, specialized in Japanese blades. Recommendation like the one by Piers should absolutely be followed!

[Bugyotsuji]

1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said:

Please don't do this until it is a traditionally trained person, specialized in Japanese blades. Recommendation like the one by Piers should absolutely be followed!

He can open a gentle 'window' in the blade to see what is under the rust there, and whether your blade contains potential for moving the process forward.

[Breezy]

Thanks all, for your kind advice, I won't attempt any restoration without seeking specialist help first as you recommend. I have worked in the antiques trade for 30 years, so understand the benefits of good restoration....and when not to  I should add this is not an item related to my work, I like to collect and learn from some of the pieces that stray into my hands. I'll add more images if anything notable appears.

[Bruce Pennington]

Angus,

Just curious as to what design is on the other side of the habaki?

[Breezy]

Habiki is the same on both sides...a hole in the sheath revealing blade below...which is apparently unmarked. I had to remove the old and very poor Tsuka ito so I could safely dismantle the blade from the handle. I photographed it all and it seems fairly easy to put back together...replacing the cord looks fairly straight forward. Might look good dismembered and framed in bits (preparing for howls of outrage!). I found some replacement silk Tsuka ito cord only for Tanto's at 7mm which I hope does not offend the piece too much. 

 

Ang suggestions what the two round voids were for? Inserted seals perhaps, has it lost a decorative element?

 

[Brian]

I don't think it lost a decorative element. I think it is the decorative element.

[Bruce Pennington]

Might be the sun.  I half expected a crescent moon on the other side.  I have seen both, as well as star configurations on habaki.

Thanks for the added photos!