coscoman Posted November 24, 2011 Report Posted November 24, 2011 I have recently bought my first nihonto and I need your help in translating the mei, in the hope of putting together the history of the blade. Any help would be much appreciated! I've included pictures of the mei and of the blade in the hope that we'll be able to identify the smith and the approximate age of the blade. Thank you in advance for all the replies. Cosmin C. Quote
Jean Posted November 24, 2011 Report Posted November 24, 2011 Why don't you try yourself, Cosmin, it is really an easy one. Try with this tool: http://www.jssus.org/nkp/kanji_for_mei.html Quote
coscoman Posted November 25, 2011 Author Report Posted November 25, 2011 Thank you Jean, wow it is much harder than i thought it will be when i have opened the link you sent me. I think that part of the second kanji is Kuni but i couldn't find the first kanji. Am i correct with the assumption that there are 2 kanji in this mei. And thank you again for your guidance. Quote
John A Stuart Posted November 25, 2011 Report Posted November 25, 2011 There are two and the first is 國 Kuni. John Quote
coscoman Posted November 25, 2011 Author Report Posted November 25, 2011 Thank you John, I start to see them more clearly, on the blade they appear more elongated. The second one i think is Shige, which would make it Kunishige. If that is correct how could I find out the age of the blade? Are there any more informations in the mei? Thank you. Quote
John A Stuart Posted November 25, 2011 Report Posted November 25, 2011 國重 Kunishige. Ah, but, which one? Now you have to list the attributes this sword has and correlate to a particular smith. John Quote
coscoman Posted November 25, 2011 Author Report Posted November 25, 2011 Yes, you are right John, the hard part just begins. Beeing a complete newbie to all things nihonto, could you recommend me some books to try to learn more about nihonto in general and this wakizashi in particular? And thank you for your prompt response. Cosmin Quote
John A Stuart Posted November 25, 2011 Report Posted November 25, 2011 The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords by Nagayama is still one of the best. John Quote
Grey Doffin Posted November 25, 2011 Report Posted November 25, 2011 Cosmin, See the FAQ above for a list of books. Grey Quote
Guido Posted November 25, 2011 Report Posted November 25, 2011 Am I missing something, an insider joke perhaps? This sword was obviously sold through Aoi Art (Mr. Tsuruta). He always gives descriptions/opinions about the swords he sells, so why is this one being discussed like a "mystery blade"? Quote
coscoman Posted November 25, 2011 Author Report Posted November 25, 2011 It was never my intention to discuss the blade as a mystery blade, all I'm trying to do, with your help, is to try to identify/learn about my nihonto as much as I can, instead to rely on some description. No matter on how reliable and trusted that description is, it cannot match the feeling of trying to know the history behind the blade, especially being my very first nihonto. Thank you all for your guidance. Cosmin Quote
Brian Posted November 25, 2011 Report Posted November 25, 2011 Did you purchase this from Aoi? If so...I can understand asking about the smith's background etc...but asking for a translation is a bit odd.. Brian Quote
leo Posted November 25, 2011 Report Posted November 25, 2011 This is more than just odd, Brian. He knew the kanji beforehand and played an imbecile, God knows why. This is selling the board members for silly. Quote
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