Kogatana signature

[msdt]

I am new to old Japanese swords, and this kogatana came on a Wakizashi I got in December. Can anyone read the signature?

 

Also pics of the kozuka on it.

 

Cheers,

Tony

[Robert S]

That kozuka is rather nice!

[Matsunoki]

Anthony…..would you like more info on the kozuka?

[msdt]

Hi Colin, yes that would be good.

Cheers,

Anthony

[Matsunoki]

Anthony, OK…..your kozuka is a “shiremono” which is the term used  (in the context of Kozuka) to describe a mass produced  cheaply made item designed to look like far a more expensive mixed metal inlaid piece.

Basically the whole top plate is pressed from a thin piece of copper alloy to create the high relief effect and then multi-patinated and gold plated  (as opposed to true mixed metal inlay) to look like shakudo, silver etc.  This is then joined to a solid base plate and finished to look like a normal kozuka. Often a thicker than normal base plate is used to create the impression of “weight in the hand”. Some even get signed but that is usually an attempt to mislead.

The one you have is a well known variant and I even saw one at last weeks Arms Fair.

Sometimes two pressed plates with the same subject matter are joined together and used as cutlery handles and put into sets for export to the west.

However sometimes real kozuka, often of considerable quality and value got used in cutlery sets and they are can be very exciting.

It is important to be able to tell the difference because….about 30 years ago at a big antiques fair I came across a set of 24 cased knives and forks with silver blades ….all were superb quality genuine kozuka. I asked “how much” he shouted to his partner “how much do you want for those Chinese knives and forks” …the answer was £65. The antique gods smiled on me that day. 
If you decide to stick with this interest being able to discern quality is vital…..the same applies to tsuba and all other fittings.

I apologise if I disappoint you, but these things fool a great many people.

Happy hunting.

PS….why not come to the Birmingham Arms Fair in June, happy to show you some better pieces (you don’t have to buy anything!!🙂)

[ROKUJURO]

Anthony,

the KOGATANA is difficult to read. There seems to be more than only rust on the blade - looks like grime or paint. You can try to cleant the blade with acetone or paint solvent without any danger of damaging the steel.

In case you will make new photos, please use a dark background and light from the side.

And a remark on the characters: It is almost never a signature but a name of a famous swordsmith as an hommage.

[msdt]

Thanks for the information, chaps.

 

I will be at Birmingham in June, where do you stall there, Colin? (I know the layout well).

 

Cheers,

Tony

[Matsunoki]

Middle hall, rear wall. Table 81. See you there!