Need help with this Horse Wakizashi sword identification.

[standupdann]

Hi, I have this wakizashi sword and need help telling who signed it.  I found some late edo period tiger motif ones that are very similar with similar quality ray skin, gold tigers on the handle, gold enhance tiger related adornments, but this signature is different and this one is a horse motif. There is the tang mei signature, but there is also something written on one of the other parts.  Any help with when it was thought to be made, who signed it, what the other signature is, if there is any record who it went to? Any neat history would be great. I have looked at hundreds of signatures and can't find a match.  Also, the first character is boxed, is that symbolic of something? I saw no others with the first character placed in a square.  Please let me know any detailed pics that could help.

[xiayang]

因州鳥取住正則 = Masanori, resident of Tottori in Inshū

[Nobody]

因州鳥取住正則 (Inshu Tottori ju Masanori) – Living in Tottori of Inaba province, Masanori

 

一蝅堂 乘意 – Issando Joi

Ref. Issando Joi 一蚕堂乗意 | British Museum

[standupdann]

That is amazing information, I was worried it would be too difficult to read. Is there any info you can link me to about Masanori of Tottori? Searching around I have found a lot of info on several Masanori sword makers, bit they mostly seem to be from other regions, as well as at least one Samurai of the same name.  It is very cool that the furniture maker can be identified as well, they seem very elaborate and well made, especially for the era.  Any help is appreciated.  Is this something that would benefit from restoration? I don't usually clean or modify anything I acquire, but onviously this has lived a relatively rough life when it comes to improper storage. Thank you so much!

[John C]

This is the only reference that Sesko has on him. But it gives you a trime frame for when he was active.

 

MASANORI (正則), Bunkyū (文久, 1861-1864), Inaba – “Inshū Tottori-jū Masanori” (因州鳥取住正則)

 

 

John C.