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Dear members, am I ccorrect? and what would you call a tanto mounted as a tessen? Its likely a tourist piece. I guess the top and bottom tanto are Kaiken according to Adams link. Would the use of "aikuchi Kaiken" be proper or would it be just Kaiken? Thank You Ed

Hi Eric, thanks for your post. I likely acquired the reference made to a near identical shape/size on a dealers web site while surfing the web. I'll try and find it. Ed

Dear members, This tsuba is part of an uchigatana mounting with an early blade. There are traces of gold inlay on both sides. Carved in low relief on a ji-mon? ground I have included the rim for your inspection. It is 6.7cm H x 6.7cm w and 4.5mm at the rim and seppa dai. I am thinking moromachi or momoyma perion? It is mumei., not sure of the school or have been able to find a similar example. Some signs of minimal rust can be seen where the lacquer is gone. Any assistance opinions ao corrections are very welcome, Thank you Ed

Dear estcrh, thanks for looking, I believe (understand), shaped like a bamboo leaf.

Dear Adam and Eric, I think your link, posted above, is the most specific regarding Kaiken, and the Kaga Kiyomitsu sword link. Thanks Ed (Edited)

Dear Eric, sorry for the mistake, 13.3cm should be 13.8cm I did edit my original post, sorry for that.Ed

Dear Chris, Thanks for that, I was thinking if he was a sougth after and important master smith, that raised the question (in my mind), why would he be making this type/purpose blade for non-military demand? Kind of a step down as a master. Previously I thought that these were called Daiken, do you know if or what the defference is? Ed.

Dear Chris, If you happen back to this thread and can see your way clear, I wonder if it is likely that a mamori gatana for a spouce would be signed and crafted by a big name as this item signed kiyomitsu? Ed

Thanks Chris, they certainlly isn't a masculine blade, I guess the kurikata and hook threw me. Ed

Dear Members, I have come up with Hirasankaku Sasumaru to define the shape/style of this yari. During this past December, Ogawa san told me this was early 16th century so I’m somewhat confident this is a Koto period blade. It is 17.2cm from the hilt. The saya is covered in a silk?, brocade fabric that has been lacquered and the fittings, absent the koshira, are horn, I’m thinking early 19th or late 18th century, any thoughts, opinions or information?. Does the kozuka speak to anything? The inlay silver chevron I believe is a clan or family mon. The kozuka has a fine nanako, is shakudo with gold highlights, not sure about the theme, any thoughts? Thank you in advance, Ed.

Hi Chris and Paul, Thanks for participating, it is 13.2cm. I understood that Kaiken were carried by women in a small bag and would not need a hook and kurikata to secure, am I wrong on that? Ed.

Dear Members, Aikuchi mounted tanto, I am wondering if there is a proper name for the black urushi treatment or style , ?o-suji-chigai?? Rain,? , and would this be Higo? Additionally, The mei reads "Kashu Ju Fuji, wara? (likely), Kiyo mitsu saku." Do you think the signature and style is consistent with koto? The yasurime is kiri-monji and very fine. The point turns up and evokes a lethal impression. Any opinions or thoughts, or corrections are welcome and appreciated. The fittings are horn and the menuki is silver. The nagasa is 17.2cm. Thank you in advance, Ed. Edit the nagasa is 13.2cm.

Thanks Chris, Ed

Thanks Chris, I read that and then a debate on that issue, possibly with mantetsu saku or nagamitsu not sure. I believe you are correct and thing the hamon is one of oil drenching. Is the tsuba a showa item?, the mokume appears in one side., Thanks,Ed

Dear Chris and Morita san, thank you. Chris,The tsuba is mounted on the sword, the fuchi-kashira are neat, a kikusui motif. Morita san, As I look at the shu, nobu kanji, i can connect them however, se and chika are more challenging. Thanks very much guys,Ed. I think the blade a possible gendaito but don't know for sure.

Dear members, the above post is a supplement with this horimono photo. Ed

Dear Members opinions and comments Tanto, Aikuchi mounted in black lacquer, silver and gold koshirae including gold morimon, shobu-zukuri blade is complimented with horimono. I think the the small bo-hi on the shinogi (ridge), must have been a feat to execute! Blade is signed “Bitchu Kuni ju kuni…tsugu?, blade has been shortened and aparently polished many times. I have been advised that it is a koto blade. I’m hoping someone can look at the tang and signature and confirm or speculate on “Tsugu”, I’m fine with the other kanji. Maybe the horimono can lead me somewhere, ken with vajra? hilt? not sure. Any assistance is appreciated! Thanks, Ed

Dear Veli, Thanks I think your correct, i toiled with that kanji once before, on a tsuba i think, thanks again. "No, I posted the tsuba photo incorrectly sorry for that. Ed Here it is.

Dear Members, This sword is in an uchigata mount but the blade includes a sho stamp. Can't get one character (i think, on the tang) I'm at a total loss except for what looks like masa om the tsuba. Unusual wood grain mokume etched i think and very thick. Can someone tell me what you think? Thank You all, Ed Tang No Nhu Seki Take Yama Yoshi ? Saku, i think thats right. Tsuba, not good with the fancy style/ One character looks to be masa?

Dear Jean, Thanks for the help, I'll be patient, Ed

Dear Jean, Thanks for participating and that link, I have a tanto with the kiyomitsu mei i am researching. Do you have an opinion or thoughts as to the age or style of the koshirae? Thanks Ed

Thanks Richard, appreciate your time and input. I was thinking that the leaf and cherry blossom configuration might indicate a rank, model date or origin. Thanks again, Ed

Dear John thank you very much for that helpful information and paticipating in this thread. Have a terrific weekend! Ed.

Thank you Mark Jean, Eric and mariusz for all you help, Have a great weekend! Ed

Thanks Chris, have a good weekend! Ed