Shizu Saburo Kaneuji ko-gatana and kozuka research progress.

[edzo]

reetings members,

For your interest or critique if my research is incorrect. I am a newbie. I concluded that this piece to be shinshinto period 19th cent, and the ko-gatana is signed Shizu Saburo Kaneuji. He may be the 19th generation of the shodai kaneuji, (student of Masamune) and may have been associated with the Kanesade lineage as well. From the signatures I compared strokes, confidence and proportion to known signatures and concluded they are equally executed. The hamon on the blade is similar to that I’ve seen on katana. The kozuka is Shibuichi, and I can’t seem to capture the gray patina of it in the scan. It includes three aoi-mons (Tokugawa mon), flush inlaid brass plate, don’t think gold, with engraved leaves. If anyone is so inclined your opinions will be welcome. Thank you in advance, Ed F.

[cabowen]

It is well known that kagatana with big name maker's signatures were made in abundance more as an homage than as something meant to be serious....

 

While it is possible this was made by some late descendant of Kaneuji, the odds are far greater that it was made as a tribute, as mentioned above.

[edzo]

Dear Mr. Bowen'

 

I recall reading something similar and perhaps I should have footnoted my comments. I appreciate your input and think it may not be of the smith. My focus was that, knowing that the smith's lineage was noteworthy (In my opinion), The signature seemed to conform very much under close examination, to that smith I concluded. Of course, there are expert forgers out there and a higher % of the best are encountered.

 

Thanks again Ed F.