geekman

It would be very interesting to see what the experts say about the blade. The fact that the blade looks shinto because of the shallow sori seems valid, but it must be taken into account that many of the Shinto blades were copies of osuriage koto blades. Robert brings up a very good point about the mokume hada in the shinogi-ji, which is one of the kantei points of koto blades. Not being able to see the blade in hand makes it very difficult to pinpoint the age as well as the school, and until confirmed, it is anyones guess. Based on the photos, my very amateur guess leans toward maybe Ko-Uda or Etchu. Brian M.

Very much sadden by the news of Eiichi's passing. He was truly a great guy and a good friend to me.

I'll go with BIG on this one.

Hi Peter, There were no text . Just copies of the nakago with reference numbers at the to the swordsmiths in Hawley's Japanese Swordsmiths Book. Hope this helps. Brian Murashige

My condolences to the Yoshihara family. Very sad.

Ichimonji Sukesane???

Robert, Will try it. Thank you for your help!! Much appreciated!! Brian

Uwe, Don't worry about it... It's just that my friend had a blade by the same smith, that is why I remembered it. Just got lucky... Now if only I could learn how do attachments to my postings....Ha!! Brian

I think it is Tsukushi Yukimitsu, also signed Miike ju Yukimitsu. Brian

I think it's Echigo no Kuni Mitsuoki... Endo Mitsuoki... Brian

Bruce, Thanks for the article and info. Yes, things have changed a lot. Information is more readily available, as well as a lot more research discovering new information. Thanks!! Brian Murashige

Jean, Thanks!! I appreciate that!! Somehow I always get messed up trying to do these things!! Brian Murashige

Yes, I had heard that his work was often mistaken for Kamakura period work due to the high quality of his jigane. As you said, it was quite remarkable due to the fact that he was self-taught, like Endo Mitsuoki who is often confused with this individual. I hope that I'll be able to see some of his work someday. Brian Murashige

Kai-Gunto, Thanks for the correction. I was told that it was a marine mount back in the days 40 some years ago. Brian Murashige

Ray, Thanks for the link. Yes, I agree with you that it's taking a chance with items that come up on ebay like this. Like you said, you really don't know the types of flaws that you may find when the blade gets into your possession. Interesting, I wasn't aware that Ka's work were prone to kitae-ware as I have never seen his work in person. It seems that he was held in very high esteem by the older sword experts. Don't know if it was more political, being that he came from a prominent family at the time. Very grateful for the info!! Brian Murashige