Hira Zukuri wakizashi

[Nido42]

Hello, My name is Kevin. I am here in hopes some of you may help with a few questions i have about a wakizashi i have. I'm still fairly new to nihanto so i apologize for any miswording or mispronouncing. I have read as much as i could find online and compare examples. So, if any of you could give me some extra knowledge and perhaps correct me if my own research has not given me enough information. I only have more so assumptions based off what i could find.

 

My first question is about the Tsuka/Tsuba. ive noticed there is a shim that appears to be added more recently (I assume for a more snug fit) and also given the Tsuba has a bit of lateral movement, would it be safe to say that these are not original to the sword? As well it seems the Tsuka Ito had been replaced in more recent times based off its condition. So perhaps it had been restored at some point, i am not sure.

 

My second question is in regards to the Hira Zukuri style. From what i could find online and looking into all types of wakizashi and what periods made which styles, based off what i could find would any of you tell me if this would be early muromachi? Or were hira zukuri wakizashi made in throughout different periods?

 

My third question being more so a shot in the dark is the signature. its very hard to make out. ive tried rubbing a pencil over some thin paper to help read it but the only character i could make out is 家. I am not sure if it is much help but if anyone could possibly interpret what it means and possibly who they may think it could be i would be much appreciated. Thank you

[marivo]

I own a Hira Zukuri from Edo so I think they are made throughout different periods.

[John C]

Kevin:

I'll answer your first question. The tsuka, seppa, and tsuba were likely changed frequently throughout the blade's life due to damage, owner's tastes, or other reasons. This is common and would not be a concern. As to the looseness, humidity levels in particular can shrink or swell tsuka causing them to not fit correctly.

In addition, some sellers remove blades from shirasaya and add ill fitting mounts to increase buyer interest. We like to say "buy the blade" - so the mounts are less important.

 

John C.

[Rivkin]

You need to spend considerable effort doing photographs of the entire blade, details, tsuka specifically. Compositions here it lies somewhere, and here is me with smartphone do not work.

What is seen is Muromachi blade with nearly gone signature and rough polish, possibly done by a Japanese dealer.

Tsuka wrapping is probably new.

[Nido42]

2 hours ago, John C said:

Kevin:

I'll answer your first question. The tsuka, seppa, and tsuba were likely changed frequently throughout the blade's life due to damage, owner's tastes, or other reasons. This is common and would not be a concern. As to the looseness, humidity levels in particular can shrink or swell tsuka causing them to not fit correctly.

In addition, some sellers remove blades from shirasaya and add ill fitting mounts to increase buyer interest. We like to say "buy the blade" - so the mounts are less important.

 

John C.

Thank you, John. I was wondering if that was the case. Although everything does fit pretty tight. The tsuba itself has slight play in it. Most of the nihanto I've gotten have been in shirasaya so I haven't dove into much research into koshirae. 

[Nido42]

28 minutes ago, Rivkin said:

You need to spend considerable effort doing photographs of the entire blade, details, tsuka specifically. Compositions here it lies somewhere, and here is me with smartphone do not work.

What is seen is Muromachi blade with nearly gone signature and rough polish, possibly done by a Japanese dealer.

Tsuka wrapping is probably new.

I had taken several pictures but had to resize and given the amount of space to upload those were the ones I figured would be enough without them being too poor of quality. Im still relatively new to posting in online forums and how certain things work. I do appreciate the response though.

[oli]

Please have a look on this: https://markussesko.com/2015/04/13/kantei-1-sugata-7/