zatoichi Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 Hello, I submitted this tanto for shinsa in Japan with the NBTHK it came back saying NBTHK will need to research this sword further. I presume this means it is traditionally made and the mei is not gemei but not much more. The mei reads Tsunahide Tsukura. Not kato Tsunahide since he didn't sign his mei this way. I have looked in Nihon Shinto Jiten and Nihon to Koza shinshinto but have not found anything. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you Justin Quote
paulb Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 Justin, I would be interested to hear the view of others but my understanding is that when the NBTHK say it needs further research it generally means they are not totally happy with the mei or that the style of workmanship does not match what they would expect for the named smith. This doesn't necessarily mean it is bad just that they are not 100% confident. on the other hand it is close enough to what they would expect for that smith and of good enough quality not to reject it out of hand. Not sure if this adds anything to your research but hope it helps a little Regards Paul Quote
cabowen Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 Are you sure it is read Tsunahide? 縄 Do you really think that if the NBTHK, after having this in hand to examine, given their expertise and resources, couldn't come up with anything that someone on an internet board will? Nicely made, by the way.... Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 Justin, I'm really impressed with the top two closeup photos you posted. They are excellent examples of nie, to say the least. What was your camera/lens/lighting rig? Ken Quote
NihontoEurope Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 Chris, It can be read as Nawa and Tsuna. In this case I think Tsuna is adequate. /Martin Quote
cabowen Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 I guess I need better dictionaries as none of mine have a tsuna reading for that kanji.... Quote
NihontoEurope Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 This Tsuna kanji is simplified from its original form which could give more information to the owner as research input. /Martin Quote
John A Stuart Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 縄英造 I get as either Jouei tsukuru or Tadahide (or Yoshi) tsukuru. I think Tadahide more likely; Tsuna does not compute at all. John Quote
zatoichi Posted March 9, 2013 Author Report Posted March 9, 2013 Hello and thank you for the input. Chris the answer is no and no. I am not 100% sure of the name, and I would be surprised if the board came up with something that the NBTHK could not but it is worth a try. Ken I used a sony A900, Manual Leica APO macro elmarit-R 100, with Leica Elpro. Gitzo GT1542T with markins ball head. Lighting was Halogen work light. Justin Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 I used a sony A900, Manual Leica APO macro elmarit-R 100, with Leica Elpro. Yup, if you use quality equipment, you get quality results! Great shots! I'm going to use your photos to show our sword club newbies what nie really looks like. Ken Quote
cabowen Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 I only get the following readings for this kanji: 縄 radical: 糸 (糹) SILK strokes: 15 grade: 8 on: ジョウ Jo kun: なわ, Nawa ただ (す) Tada(su) meaning: straw rope, cord Kanji #: 2144 Gakken: 1005 Halpern: 1388 Nelson: 3568 Rate: 1075 Examples ◆ 縄 [なわ:NAWA] (1) rope, cord, (2) policeman's rope ◆ 縄張り [なわばり:NAWABARI] roping off, stretching rope, demarcation, one's turf, domain, territory, sphere of influence ◆ 縄文 [じょうもん:JOUMON] Jomon period, straw-rope pattern Quote
NihontoEurope Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 Yes Chris and as John says Tada is also valid for that kanji. There are even more readings: Nawa Tada Jou Tsuna In these combinations: 縄生 Nao 縄間 Nouma About this blade, I think it is newly made 1870-1920. /Martin Quote
cabowen Posted March 9, 2013 Report Posted March 9, 2013 I agree, it is late. Looks like Toshikazu work from the Tsunatoshi group. Quote
zatoichi Posted March 9, 2013 Author Report Posted March 9, 2013 Chris could you point me towards any more information on the tsunatoshi group or Toshikazu. Thank you Justin Quote
cabowen Posted March 10, 2013 Report Posted March 10, 2013 His work is very rare. I had one on my site. Here is the link: Scroll down to number 5 http://www.ejapaneseswords.com/swordcat ... #sword%205 Quote
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