DirkO

守 Kami 大掾 Daijô 掾 Jô 介 Suke 1. Kami - Kami means Lord and would be seen in a mei that may read for example, Iga (no) Kami in your case would mean Lord of Iga province. Hawley’s lists Kami as the highest rank or title that a smith may possess. 2. Daijô - Daijô refers to a Second or Assistant Lord. Hawley’s lists Daijô as the Second highest rank or title that a smith may possess. Other titles are Jô and Suke. These are pretty much the same as far as rank goes and would rank as Third Lord or Second Assistant Lord. In the mid 16th century, it became common practice to add official and honorary titles to mei. These were usually in the form of Kami, Daijo and Suke for official titles and Fujiwara, Minamoto, Taira and others for honorary titles. These titles were sometimes handed out by Daimyo and other lords for services rendered, but it is also believed they were sometimes purchased, or given out as bribes. There is some conjecture as to their significance, some say they have varying degrees of importance, others think they aren't all that meaningfull. --- The above came from the excellent Kanji Pages by Richard Turner: http://www.jssus.org/nkp/common_kanji.html

To go back to the original topic, I came across this text which I found very fitting:

I agree, even today a good reference library is necessary to research your own blades. There is a lot of info on the internet, but there's even more info in books which isn't. I started out with the usual introductory books, but I find myself now leaning more towards reference books, who in their own right are very collectable (Teiryo Yoji, Showa Dai Meito Zufu,...)

Here's the post from 2 years ago about that 'coin' tsuba (like John I immediately recognised it :-) ): http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4608

Fukurokuju is not the name of the deer, it's the name of a deity closely related to Jurojin. Some say that Jurojin is Fukurokuju's grandson and that they inhabit the same body.

Doesn't it mean that the mei itself is illegible but that it's signed nonetheless?

Interesting post from a while ago: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8879

From the top of my head, Muramasa fell out of favor with Tokugawa Ieyasu because a number of friends/relatives got wounded or killed by Muramasa blades. He ordered that no samurai would use Muramasa blades any more. Obviously those who were against the Tokugawa shogunate reverred these blades. Sometimes they changed or removed the signature in order to conceal it's maker's name. I think this might well be such a tanto. Hamon, nakago, ... seem correct.

Catalogue arrived this week - very nice photographs and an English index to boot! Although ordering directly from the museum proved too troublesome, it's also available through Sanmei.

Could these cracks be the result of a straightening of the blade ? :?

http://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/popup_e.html Meibutsu - Treasured Japanese Swords 2011 August 27 ［Sat］- September 25 ［Sun］ This exhibition presents a collection of meibutsu or famous swords handed down in shogunal and clan lord families and traces the development and evolution of sword-making. Any one planning a visit there? Wouldn't mind a couple of exhibition catalogues if someone is kind enough to buy a few.

助 Suke ? No idea about the last kanji ....

Thanks Thierry and Bob - very informative!

Thanks Thierry - So it seems to be based on a late Edo design. As far as I can see, the figures seem to be made in shibuichi and the tsuba itself in shakudo? (but not 100% sure). In hand it looks nicer than these blown up pics. I don't know if someone has more information on the MFA one? Or more reference pictures of the same design?

First of, let me start by saying that I'm not a tsuba guy. I can appreciate some schools more than other (Akasaka, good Heijanjo and Oni) but that's about as far as it goes. I've picked up this tsuba for it's composition which I found very playfull, the tsuba actually being used by Shoki and the Oni as a background for their chase. I found the Oni gripping around the mimi with it's claw a very nice addition. The nanako (on the plate, not on the rim) seems to be fine and well executed. Measurements are 5,5cm x 6cm. Any ideas on the work or maybe a hint as to which school would be very much appreciated. Also there's some green oxidation at the top which worries me, any tips to remedy that would also be very helpfull.

I know the seller and bought from him before, everything went accordingly ... Although I use JAUCE as an intermediary.

From the latest newsletter of Guiseppe Piva : http://www.giuseppepiva.com/index.php/itomaki-tachi-koshirae.html?___store=us&___from_store=it

Although not so extensive, I use A dictionary of Japanese History by Joseph Goedertier. On the upside - I think you can get it at a fraction of the ones you mention.

Congrats Henry It's looks really nice, although I think they tuned down the bright orange? Could be the photo.

I think he usually preys on new members on forums. I would stay clear of him. Do a search on Pavel Nowak on this forum and you'll find out you're not the first. eg. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9400&hilit=nowak

If it's an unsolicited mail, I'd be very cautious. His name wouldn't happen to be Pavel Nowak ?

"Ômi" is a province (Tosando route) and "Kami" means god/lord. So it means Lord of Ômi, these were honorary titles bestowed upon smiths for services rendered, but as with everything desirable, corruption also played a part. Some smiths simply bought their title.

George, Although hard to believe, I'm not at all interested in the blade (the overal condition is poor) but I was just trying to hunt down the translation for my own pleasure. Pointing out the active auction is just common courtesy. That way people won't feel abused as so often happens. Good call on the SANE kanji by the way! Mine came close, but not close enough. Thanks! Moriyama-san, I wrote Bungo more as a reminder for myself to easily identify the smith. But thanks for your comment.

- This is from an ACTIVE auction - Just thought I'd point that out first. The mei seemed interesting and clear enough to try and have a go at it: Here's what I think it says: 豊後 高田 住 藤原 眞行 BUNGO/HOSHU TAKADA JU FUJIWARA SANEYUKI I'm not too sure about the Saneyuki bit seeing the nakago is a bit battered there and the signature isn't clear. Correct or not?

One of the better posts in a long while and very educational at that! Thanks to all who contributed