Davis Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 This sword has been rubbed with abrasives at sometime. The resulting damage extends to the nakago, partially removing the patina and wearing down the signature, which I believe reads Nio Kiyonage. I know the story of the tachi that cut the chain to the temple door to save a statue from fire, So I can understand how the menuki might compliment this sword. I'm not sure if the tsuba might also be connected in some way? Opinions would be welcome. Thanks. 1 Quote
Brian Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 Fittings seldom have anything to do with the maker, and were so frequently changed over time that any possible connection is usually long gone. It's also much easier to change a tsuba than menuki, so I wouldn't look too hard for a connection. 2 Quote
Mark S. Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 Tsuba is tea ceremony (Chanoyu) equipment theme. Feather (haboki), iron pronged stand for the tea kettle (go-toku), tea scoop (chashaku), and small ceramic tea container (chaire). I very much like this theme. 3 Quote
ROKUJURO Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 TSUBA looks to have tea ceremony utensils as theme, NAKAGO looks o.k. in these not so good photos. MENUKI look like the handle shape of early KENUKI GATA TACHI. Please show the blade as well (tip-upwards, without HABAKI) 3 Quote
Mark S. Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 4 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said: MENUKI look like the handle shape of early KENUKI GATA TACHI. Or the funny bone from the Operation board game. 1 Quote
eternal_newbie Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 27 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said: MENUKI look like the handle shape of early KENUKI GATA TACHI. Yes, I thought of the kenuki-gata tachi tsuka as well. Kenuki (毛抜) means "hair clip/hair tweezers", which is what that shape is meant to represent. https://picryl.com/media/tsuka-of-kenuki-gata-tachi-at-ise-shrine-ef881e https://nihontoart.com/shop/a-museum-one-of-a-kind-kenuki-gata-tachi-by-suishinshi-masatsugu/ https://samurai-jpn.com/kenukigatatachi_en.html 1 Quote
Mark S. Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 53 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said: I don't know this; probably funny? Sorry… old game for kids. Please excuse the hijack… 2 Quote
ROKUJURO Posted January 4 Report Posted January 4 Probably funny indeed - for those who hold the knives..... Quote
Davis Posted January 5 Author Report Posted January 5 Thanks everyone. Thanks for the links Rohan, that's why I thought there might be a connection to the Nio school. Although my wife did think that they were bones too. The tsuba may have been switched Brian but it does appear to be en suite and the sword is in the same sleepy state as when acquired. Jean, the pictures are poor as I took them with my phone as my camera was not available. This one although also poor might give some idea as to shape. Uwe, thanks some new information and very useful. 1 Quote
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