takamatsu Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Hello to everybody! After having been helped so good from you guys with my first tsuba, I now want to introduce to you my first katana. The blade (overall 85,9 centimeter) is signed Hizen Koku Ju Omidaijo Otsuka Fujiwara Tadahiro (I think so ). With my limited knowledge, I suppose that the smith's name is Tadahiro from the Fujiwara clan from Hizen district. Is this right? Is Omidaijo a title? Can anybody tell me something about the age of the blade? In addition, I added the picture of the tsuba, which was with the sword. Also signed, but absolutely no idea. Again, thank you very much for your priceless help!!! Ps.: better pics will follow after receiving the sword from Japan Quote
runagmc Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Hizen kokuju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro... One of the most famous smiths from the Hizen Tadayoshi school of the Shinto period... there is plenty of info available online... be aware that gimei are common, especially if the sword doesn't have reliable papers... Quote
mywei Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Would be interested to see more pictures of the jigane and hamon. Are there any papers that go with this blade? Omi Daijo Tadahiro was 2nd gen master of mainline Hizen Tadayoshi school. Probably gimei'd a lot. By my novice eye there seems to be some irregularities in the mei, especially the 近 ? There are many Hizen experts and enthusiasts on this board so they can probably shed more light. Quote
takamatsu Posted June 10, 2013 Author Report Posted June 10, 2013 Thanks for your quick reply! For an easier look on the blade, I can add the link of the auction, there are some more pics: http://www.ebay.de/itm/230991123764?ssP ... 1497.l2648 I just wanted the blade to use for jaijutsu, but if it is a fake... :| Quote
mywei Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Yeah, most probably gimei You're not gonna get a genuine Tadahiro blade for 800 euro A reference to compare http://www.nihonto.ca/omi-daijo-tadahiro-4/ Quote
takamatsu Posted June 10, 2013 Author Report Posted June 10, 2013 Thanks again for all your help! I didn't know that Tadahiro is such a famous smith. If I had, I would not imagine that I can get a blade of him for that price. As I explained, I was on the search for a genuine old blade for iaijutsu. As I now know it's not original, I think I will cancel the deal... Quote
Marius Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Judging by the rust (not patina) on the nakago, this is not an old sword. The rust looks like it has been artificially induced. Quote
takamatsu Posted June 10, 2013 Author Report Posted June 10, 2013 Thanks mariuszk! This was the last fragment for cancelling :D Quote
Alex A Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 On a good note Michael, at least its a real folded blade and not a chinese copy, 800 euro i dont think is a bad price, maybe good for the martial arts guys, obviously would need a new tsuka. Alex. Quote
Brian Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Michael, Gimei are extremely common, but that doesn't make a sword a fake. Most gimei are still genuine antique swords..and there are some wonderful swords with fake signatures. I wouldn't use that as a reason to cancel. Look at the sword...and if you like it, then keep it. Might still have a nice hamon and hada. Buy the sword, not the signature. You don't get much for 800 Euro nowdays, so might be a good deal for iai. Up to you, but the sword is real I expect. Just not the signature. Brian Quote
kunitaro Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Agree with two both above. 800 Euro is very good price. The blade is probably Gendai(modern) for Iai. Total length 85.9cm which is meaning 60-65cm cutting edge ? so, maybe it is for female or boy's however, it is good orthodox Sugata, just like Hizen-to. I think it is a good sword. For western male, this is kind of Ideal for Katate-Uchi(One Hand Cutting) Katana. The signature is not cut by professional, no treatment of patina, etc, It is not even try to fake it. so no need to bother signature. If you don't like Gimei blade, you can pay 200 Euro extra to the JP dealer to take Mei off and make good patina before they send it out of Japan. You can have a good Mumei sword. maybe it is better than cheap Koto Wakaizashi. Quote
Alex A Posted June 10, 2013 Report Posted June 10, 2013 Michael, think if you had paid 5000$ plus dollars , ebay is not the best place to buy nihonto, especially for beginners. You have been lucky here, the blade is worth the price. Alex. Quote
takamatsu Posted June 12, 2013 Author Report Posted June 12, 2013 Very much thanks to all of you! I'm fascinated by the friendly and competent help in this board, just gorgeous! Learned a lot in this thread Quote
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