Lewis B

The Mei is a problem even for those described in the Sesko reference.

Thanks. Tough one to call. There seems to be quite a bit of variability and the clarity of the OP blade doesn't help. Size seems close although my biggest red flag would be the spacing. The genuine ones are closer together which makes me think the Jauce Kunitsugu is gimei (and likely done a long time ago).

It does have a nijimei. Just not clear in the images and raises some concerns IMHO. Righthand one is genuine Kunitsuna Mei.

This is my translation of the Zufu. Blade is described as Naginata. Don't see any mention of ubu Japanese swords Designated on August 10, 1967 16th Important Sword Tokyo Ujino Kanki Naginata, inscription: Bizen Province Ukanju Kumoju Sadaharu (hereafter "kiri"). Ichiro Sujigai, one mekugi-ana, long inscription on a fine chisel near the ridge, Sadaharu's handwritten inscription below, the year is probably 22-no-4. Small round on the back and sweeping on the back. Carvings: Naginata-hi with a groove. Round stop. Base born, tip cut short. Tip chestnut. Large file marks Shape: Kanmuri-rakuzo, Iori-mune, head not too bulging, small, shallow curvature. Length 40.0 cm, 0.8 cm, width at base 2.6, tang length 12.6 cm, slight tang Hamon medium straight blade, small irregularity, mixed with alternating lines, shallowly curved upper half, sand flow, gold lines, small boiling. Hat surface Forging The grain is mixed with moku, and the surface has a strong ji boiling. The scarcity is probably due to the slightly dried out fukura. It has been changed to sho. Unju is a swordsmith of the same school who took over the succession of Unsho Unju, and there are few surviving swords with signatures, but this naginata is valuable because it is inscribed with the date of Joji 4. Although it is slender, it has a powerful appearance compared to those from the Kamakura period. Description It is made by Unju of the Bizen Ukai school, and the fact that it is marked "Ukanju" is also helpful. In other words, what was once Ugansho was later Ukai

Yes, indeed. Likely accounts for the fairly low starting price. I bet many would not notice.

I agree with Chris. Too many red flags point to Chinese origin. Read up about Chinese fakes. Besides the areas already mentioned the kissaki is also typical. Hopefully you didn't pay too much and can use it as a learning experience.

It's great you're trying to reconnect with some family history. You clearly have the bit between the teeth to know more and if it were me I would send high quality, clear images of the saya with a short message in Japanese to the well known makers in Japan. Tell them the name of your father and see if it jogs memories. Since it's not that long ago I wonder if one of them might recognise the saya decoration, which is quite distinctive, and provide more info on the blade. If the anecdote is true you could narrow down the possible smiths to those with mukansa status. Two I can think of off the top of my head that forged in styles that followed historical examples are Kawachi Kunihira and Gassan Sadatoshi. Another interesting details is the 12 swords per year. Officially certified swordsmiths are allowed to make up to 24 per year, so an output of 12 could be quite informative and a useful lead. This could mean the blade exceptionally fine if more time was spent making it. My gut feeling its a mukansa smith who could command high prices, allowing to make fewer blades and still make a living. You could also write to retailers like Ginza Seiyudo and see if they might have any suggestions. If you are lucky and can identify the smith I would then commission a blade in the same style to fit the saya so you can be made 'whole' again. Good luck on your worthy quest.

Thank you for the kind words @Hoshi. . Speaking of Ko-Bizen what is the opinion of this early tachi from Sukemura. Not a lot of info on this smith but it is signed and worthy of consideration even if it's seen many polishes in its life. It does appear to have some condition issues with one area on the ura side that is possibly fukure (?). It was offered for sale over 9 years ago for 12M yen. At 8M yen now, would this be a blade that might be considered favourably priced or could the condition be why it has not found a buyer? Blade is Juyo. https://www.toukenko...&katana_A040715.html

Safe to say you can be flattered. When I researched Yoshifusa on NMB posts your contributions were omnipresent. The level of academic study in this period, school and this smith in particular, are commendable, and I thought (correctly) that that this blade would be of particular interest to you. Yoshifusa is on the list of the goban-kaji of the Gotoba and that, in and of itself, makes this swordsmith of particular historical interest. As I said, the 28M seems quite reasonable for a signed goban-kaji work. There is a question mark regarding attributions as there were a couple of smiths in the 13th century who signed Yoshifusa according to Sesko, but the transitional features of the blade, and style of the Mei point to the earlier one, Yoshifusa (吉房), Tōjirō (藤次郎) from the Joei era.

No it's still available. As Piers says it's a 'contact us for price' listing. 28M yen, which on the face of it sounds like a reasonable ask given the importance of the smith. Looking forward to what Michael S (Gakusee) has to say about it.

This one is especially for @Gakusee who seems to have a soft spot for this maker. Standout nijimei Yoshifusa (my guess its Tojiro) 1232-33, given the size and shape of the Mei. Koshirae is rather nice too. https://www.samurai-...net/SHOP/V-2118.html

If you can its a unique opportunity in Europe to see and handle many high quality items from every era. The exhibitors are also a great source of info and have so much experience in Japanese swords, fittings and armour.

I will make inquiries and report back. The only information I have at the moment is what is in the announcement.

Tickets now on sale. Prices are significantly higher compared to 2024, though there is a Shinsa event on the Sunday (a first for JAF) with a limit of 2 blades per person. https://www.japanartfair.com/tickets/

I thought this was a Tintin character. In the English edition he's called Professor Calculus. Herge's Tintin was my favourite cartoon characters growing up (still is) and there is a fantastic museum just south of Brussels devoted to the man and his work. Well worth a visit.