Leaderboard

It was sold for 4.2 million yen, or roughly $26,000.

The only Yoshimochis of note are Fukuoka Ichimonji so it doesn't need to be qualified here. If they thought the mei was legit but belonged to some other, less well-known Yoshimochi, then they would add a qualifier in brackets.

Sorry, it is a Chinese reproduction. Probably made within the last thirty years.

（When artists of the Kanō school depicted Mongolians, they often showed scenes of polo played on horseback or hunting scenes.） Canon Tsuzuri Project/韃靼人狩猟・打毬図屏風　伝 狩野宗秀 Tatars Playing Polo and Hunting　Attributed to Kanō Sōshū The reasons I think the figures depicted are Mongolian people are that the clothing appears Mongolian in style, the bows and arrows are short and have distinctive shapes, and it depicts a mounted archery technique typical of nomadic peoples, where the rider turns backward while shooting. Watching the video below makes it easy to understand the differences in archery techniques between Japan and Mongolia. (This is a yabusame 流鏑馬event held at a shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture, where members of the Mongolian Horseback Archery Association were invited.) youtube / a yabusame 流鏑馬

59th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival - sword display

Also my concern. Why doesn't it say anything in brackets after "Yoshimochi" ?

Conway has got it, and with good advice on the oil. I use camellia oil also. It’s listed as “Type 19 Company Grade Cavalry Officer’s Dress Sword” in Dawson’s in chapter 8 page 104. Dawson states at the chapters beginning that on July 6th 1886 this sword was introduced exclusively for cavelry officers; and was a modification of the Type 8 riding sword for officers. * * Dawson, Jim. Swords of Imperial Japan, 1868–1945. Cyclopedia ed. Newnan, Ga.: Stenger-Scott Publishing, 2007. The chapter shows a few different blade types for this style of sword, even a German blade example. I imagine this is one of Suya Shoten’s blade profile options? Best, -Sam

The characters look extremely off. And the sugata should be more sakizori. Not a lot of detail to be seen in the pic but I would bet my money on Shinshinto gimei

I'm always surprised by how popular koa isshin mantetsu swords are in Japan. Considering that they aren't even traditionally made, and were mass produced, It's incredulous as to why anyone would pay 4.2M yen for this one listed below in tachi mounts. You can easily get a pretty good Juyo level sword for that price. https://www.jauce.com/auction/d1226389024

I agree with Ron's perspective on this sellers Items. I have observed his items for some time and they all appear recently made to deceive prospective buyers. They appear recently made and fitted to older existing mounts. BUYER BEWARE.

It is my opinion that the blades being sold by this eBay dealer are modern, and the mei is added to each blade then dipped in vinegar to produce the dark patina. I say this based on A) the line on the nakago top toward blade in every one of the blades has the tell tale rusty etch, and B) the tagane (chisel strokes) are raised meaning they are freshly cut. thats my two cents

Anyone have the gumption to give Cillo a call? His number is right there on the copywrite page. If no one volunteers, I'd be happy to give him a ring and ask some questions. Respectfully, and for the sake of curiosity of course. -Sam

Just had lunch in Fukuoka at the udon place called Bizen Fukuoka Ichimonji, and was explaining to one of the offspring that this name means more than just a random udon shop by the river.

Can’t see ‘Fukuoka’ mentioned anywhere, though.

Certainly very interesting and a relatively small price for what it represents. If given a choice, I would prefer an O-suriage example that was healthier and possessed all the attributes the Ichimonji school is so revered for.