Searching for additional info on a smith

[bigjohnshea]

Wondering if anyone can offer some more information about this smith? Recently bought an o-suriage wak with the mei cut in half.

 

http://nihontoclub.com/smiths/IYE141

 

Maybe some examples of his work? Any info about lineage?

 

Cheers!

[hxv]

This must be your new sword.

 

http://www.nihonto.us/MINAMOTO%20IYE--.htm

 

Hoanh

[bigjohnshea]

Yes that is it. I'm not sure if I have the correct smith though so I'm searching for more information and examples.

[Geraint]

Hi John.

 

Curious as to what leads you to this smith. The sword was advertised as Soshu and with nothing more than the first two kanji it seems like a bit of a jump to a Bizen smith, especially as they widely signed with either Bizen or Bishu before the name. I would think that Andy would have spotted a Soden Bizen sword......... Something more you have found out?

 

All the best.

[bigjohnshea]

Geriant,

The only thing I have to go off of is the Mei, and the smith I found on Nihonto Club atleast matches the two characters I have available. This is why I'm searching for more information.

 

I never doubted Andy's expertise, I just don't have any info to go off of. Also the "Iye" translation he mentioned in the item's description appears to not match the Nihonto Club translation of "Ie" which is the same symbol on the Mei of my blade.

 

Just trying to get info on the smith. Not challenging anyone's expertise.

 

Cheers,

[hxv]

John,

 

I have looked in Fujishiro, Nihon Koza, and Nihonto Zuikan without any luck. You may have to consider shinsa as Andy suggested.

 

Regards,

Hoanh

[Jussi Ekholm]

This following post is just novice speculation.

 

How about Iemori of Kongobyoe school. He signed also Minamoto Iemori 源家盛, worked Bun'an (1444-1449).

 

The work style of this school has following characteristics. Jitetsu is nagare in itame hada, mokume mixed in, it is more or less hadatachi. As for the hamon, hoso-suguba is the most common. And work style of Iemori is described being mokume mixed with masame, mostly suguha, also notare or ko-gunome.

 

I think that fits quite well what is in Andys description, and what I can see from the pics. But I must say I somehow think Soshu by the horimono, somehow that style always makes me think Soshu & related styles.

[bigjohnshea]

Hoanh,

Andy and I have already talked about submitting to Shinsa in February over in Florida. That should be a reasonably affordable attempt at identification.

 

Thank you for your efforts to assist me though.

 

Cheers,

[bigjohnshea]

Thank you Jussi.

Seems reasonable enough to me.

Cheers!

[hxv]

Good luck with shinsa John.

Regards,

Hoanh

[bigjohnshea]

Thankyou, Hoanh.

[Geraint]

Hi John.

Late to the party with this, it's morning here. I didn't mean to suggest that you were challenging anyone, just curious as to why you were looking for Bizen smiths. It will be interesting to see what comes back from shinsa with this one, please let us know what the outcome is.

 

All the best

[bigjohnshea]

I will for sure, Geriant.

Cheers!