Inscription on Kogatana

[redryder]

Could someone help with translating the inscription on this Kogatana?

[Nobody]

Unless you realize that there are two lines, its reading might be difficult.

 

 

長曽祢虎徹 - Nagasone Kotestu

二代目興正 - the 2nd generation, Okimasa

+ kao

 

[redryder]

Pardon my inexperience and ignorance, but are you saying that Nagasone Kotestu is the maker of this Kogatana? What then is the meaning of "the 2nd generation, Okimasa?" Is the KEI the small symbol at the end? Is that a Tokugawa Mon? It has been suggested to me that the Wakizashi that this Kogatana came with might be a Tokugawa because of the design on the fuchi kashira, see photos. But, I was skeptical because the design is more of a vine rather than the traditional circle with the three hollyhock leaves that you usually see.

(Is Nagasone sometimes spelled Nakasone?)

[Jean]

it is signed and not necessarily made by Kotetsu. There were several generation of smiths with same name ...I let other members complete, I must go

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Okimasa was the adopted son of Nagasone Okisato Kotetsu. He was the second generation of this lineage of swordsmiths.

[nagamaki - Franco]

Unfortunately, with this mei being a fairly "big name" signature it will almost certainly turn out to be much like the printed signature found on a sports card of a legendary player (not the real thing), a fairly common occurrence on kogatana. Usually when you see these very "chippy" chiseled signatures, such is the case (thanks for the better image).

[redryder]

Is it your opinion that the last symbol is at least supposed to represent the Tokugawa Mon?

[Nobody]

The last symbol is not the Tokubawa mon but maker's kao.

Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka%C5%8D

[Blazeaglory]

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread but I have another Kogatana with the same signature. Not trying to brag but mine looks a bit better, meaning nicer, not to mean authentic haha

 

I wonder if it was just in fashion at the time or if this is actually the same smith? Seems if it is, his chiselling skills had got a little better. I know the signature reads Kotetsu but I know its more than likely not the original.

 

Anyways, the question I had was, considering it has the Triple Hollyhock would that put this item pre 1867? I would think a smith wouldn't use the Mon after that date for fear of repercussion from the emperor? Or is it more of a sentimental thing?

[Surfson]

i have one of these as well.  i have seen them for sale, for just the kokatana blade, for $600-700.  I do have a kokatana taikan book and will try to have a look through to see if it has any examples of this mei (supposing that I can find it!).

[Blazeaglory]

I doubt its a real Mei but I was thinking...

 

Considering the smith used Kotetsu's  "tiger" kanji, would this be a good way to date the blade? Is this just another way of the smith paying tribute or something else? 

 

I would think that a later Edo smith would be using Kotetsu's later signatures but maybe he chose this one due to its artistic appeal?

 

Either way, this kogatana/kozuka is very well made and fairly large