Inoue Shinkai Wakizashi

[stepen1976]

Can anyone give me their opinion on a wakizashi I have regarding authenticity of the signature, Inroue Shinki.

thank you 

[ROKUJURO]

Hi Gregory,

welcome to the NMB forum!

Good photos, although a darker background is still better for the contrast!

The signature reads INOUE SHINKAI - you almost got it. That is a very famous name among Japanese swordsmiths, and it bears the risk of it not being authentic. This has to be checked by experts which could mean sending it to Japan for certification papers. How is the condition of the blade? Post some more photos if you like!

The NAKAGO photo with the date is upside-down. 

[stepen1976]

Thank you Jean,

 

is there any way I can email photos to an expert & if so who?

 

Regards Greg

 

[CSM101]

Welcome to the NMB.

 

Judging only the signature: gimei

[stepen1976]

Thank you for your help.

kind regards Greg

[ROKUJURO]

20 minutes ago, stepen1976 said:

is there any way I can email photos to an expert & if so who?....

Greg,

we have some experts here, but you will not get a certification with photos alone. The sword has to be seen in-hand, and the signature is only a part of the process. If the features of the blade are in line with INOUE SHINKAI's work, the signature will confirm its authenticity.

As Uwe has already found out, the signature on your blade might no be authentic. As I said, this swordsmith is a famous one, and there are many faked MEI found on blades.

This does not mean that your blade could not be nice and a pleasure to look at! 

[stepen1976]

Hi Jean,

Ok I understand & thank you.

I will post a picture of the blade just incase anyone can tell from the blade.

Kind regards Greg

 

[stepen1976]

[stepen1976]

[stepen1976]

[stepen1976]

[stepen1976]

[John C]

Gregory:

Looks like it's dated 1679, which is in the right time frame, however the kikumon looks very rough. Compare yours with the example from the document provided by Uwe and the one pictured below. 

 

John C.

[stepen1976]

Hi John,

I see what you mean.

thank you for your input.

Does this sword still have a value if you were to guess 🤔

Also based on the chat this evening I’m thinking to myself put it back in the closet 🤣

kind regards,

greg

[ROKUJURO]

Why not present it to the TOKEN Society of Great-Britain? (https://to-ken.uk/) ? They have regular meetings and will be happy to look at your sword, I am sure.

[stepen1976]

Thank you Jean 🤗

[John C]

2 hours ago, stepen1976 said:

Does this sword still have a value if you were to guess

The short answer is yes. All traditionally made Japanese swords without fatal flaws have value. And remember that creating a false signature was quite common. If one could find an unsigned, though nicely made, sword, adding a signature of a known smith could raise its value. I would take Jean's advice (advise in UK) and take it to a local sword club for an assessment, particularly in terms of fatal flaws. It still could be a nicely made, old sword. But maybe not made by Inoue.

 

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

Note that your papers record different lengths for a Yasumitsu signed katana, and an Inoue Shinkai wakizashi.

[stepen1976]

8 hours ago, John C said:

The short answer is yes. All traditionally made Japanese swords without fatal flaws have value. And remember that creating a false signature was quite common. If one could find an unsigned, though nicely made, sword, adding a signature of a known smith could raise its value. I would take Jean's advice (advise in UK) and take it to a local sword club for an assessment, particularly in terms of fatal flaws. It still could be a nicely made, old sword. But maybe not made by Inoue.

 

John C.

Hi John,

Thanks again for taking the time to respond to me, I appreciate your time.

kind regards,

Greg