Kuniyuki wakizashi with orikaeshi-mei

[J Ambrose]

Good day to all,

 

I seek comments on this wakizashi: a recent purchase. I liked the looks of its orikaeshi-mei, and also the style of its hamon. Both features suggest to me that it is old. 

 

Part of what interests me in Japanese swords is their age. 

 

Please let me know your opinions as to its approximate age, and also whether or not you believe that its orikaeshi-mei reads "Kuniyuki" (my eyesight is too far gone).

 

Thanks for looking and commenting,

 

James A

[J Ambrose]

 

Edited February 23 by J Ambrose

[J Ambrose]

[J Ambrose]

[J Ambrose]

[J Ambrose]

[J Ambrose]

[ROKUJURO]

Yes, KUNIYUKI.

What is "old" in your opinion?

[J Ambrose]

Thanks for confirming KUNIYUKI.

 

Since most items I typically collect are no older than the American Revolution, anything older than  400 years seems old to me.

 

However, I am hoping that this sword is older still.

 

James A

[Rivkin]

Unfortunately it is not the Rai Kuniyuki. The work has distinctive, harsh nie, very large featured hamon, very chaotic and non-traditional. Edo period work most likely. But can be still attractive.

[J Ambrose]

Rivkin,

 

Thank you very much for your comments.

 

I want to be certain that I understand your comment "The work has distinctive,...."      With this comment are you describing characteristics of my sword, or characteristics to be expected on a sword by the Rai Kuniyuki?

 

Also, I have been unsuccessful in attempts to see images of the mei of the Rai Kuniyuki. Can you send a Link or suggest a source?

 

Additionally, I failed to mention that the Nagasa of my sword is currently 18.5". Since the original Mekugki hole was 3 1/16" from the newer hole, the original Nagasa would have been 21 9/16". I suppose that means this was either a long(ish) Wakizashi or a short (one-handed) Tachi.  The blade is 21mm wide at its Yokote and 30mm wide at its Munemachi. I add this information since it might perhaps aid a knowledgeable person in determining whether the sword is Edo or pre-Edo.

 

Finally, the only reference book I have for Japanese swords is "The Samurai Sword" by John M. Yumoto, which I purchased in the early 1980s. I could probably benefit by purchasing a more exhaustive reference book. Do you recommend a good reference book for an old man wanting to learn new things?

 

Thanks again,

 

James A

 

 

[Scogg]

Hi James,

 

I believe he’s referring to your sword when mentioning those “distinctive” features. If you take a close look at your photos, you’ll notice very large NIE particles along the the rather flamboyant hamon pattern. There’s certainly a lot to appreciate there, but compared to many pre-Edo period blades; the overall look of your blade is bold. I agree with Rivkin's view of edo period being most likely.
 

As for book recommendations, one of the most widely cited reference guides is "The Connoisseur’s Book of Japanese Swords" by Nagayama. I also recently picked up "The Art of the Japanese Sword" by Yoshihara and Kapp, and I’ve been very pleased with it. It’s especially approachable and helpful as a beginner friendly reference and has awesome color photos.

My non-expert opinions/views of course.
Grain of salt.
All the best,
-Sam

[Toryu2020]

Compare to Rai Kuniyuki, I am sure you can see the differences...