Kozuka id

[Kozuka id]

Hello

 

I would be grateful if anyone could shed some light on a Japanese knife which belonged to my late father.  I have attached a couple of photos, one of the signature on the back of the kozuka and one of the kozuka plus blade inscription.  I can supply further images if required.  Any info would be appreciated, such as date, maker, translation of blade inscription, etc. Many thanks in advance.

[Exclus1ve]

Hello!

I found a similar signature(mei)

https://asahitoken.jp/contents/02_tosogu/details/tosogu-KZ/KZ084.html

 

The author of Nao Kinao is Shoji Nara. According to the gold engineering book, Masatsugu is apparently a doujin with Masashiki, a disciple of Nara Masanaga, and is a metalworker in the mid-Edo period.

[Exclus1ve]

The quality of the nanako is quite good at first glance on your kozuka. If possible, take better photos from different angles and in larger sizes.

Edited November 7, 2025 by Exclus1ve

[Shugyosha]

Hi Chris,

奈良正長作 – Nara Masanaga saku.

Made by Nara Masanaga.

[Kozuka id]

2 hours ago, Exclus1ve said:

The quality of the nanako is quite good at first glance on your kozuka. If possible, take better photos from different angles and in larger sizes.

[Kozuka id]

[Kozuka id]

[ROKUJURO]

The KOGATANA (= blade) photo is upside-down. It is chiselled and read tip-upwards. These inscriptions are not those of the makers in most cases.

All photos should be made on a dark, non-reflecting background for better contrast (not white).

Edited November 7, 2025 by ROKUJURO

[Jack Zacao]

blade says 摂州文殊四郎包清

摂州 is location or 攝津國

which is today’s osaka

 

文殊四郎 is family name

包清 is name

Edited November 7, 2025 by Jack Zacao

[Jack Zacao]

upon further research , it is found that the 文殊四郎 family was famous in making kitchen knifes in the small city of Sakai which is a suburb of osaka. please read the following link (second paragraph) using google translate:

https://www.lib-sakai.jp/kyoudo/kyo_digi/monodukurisakai/monodukuri_hotyo.htm