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 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 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 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