Sasumata mei

[Ken-Hawaii]

 

I would appreciate help translating the mei on my sasumata.

 

Thanks!

Ken

[george trotter]

I find it hard to see the characters...maybe a bit further away and a bit of side light?

Regards,

[cabowen]

looks more like a bonji to me...

[Ted Tenold]

Looks like maybe Yasushige to me.

[Jean]

Agreed Ted on the Shige, that's what I "saw" from the start. But the Yasu, I begin to see it now that you mention it. Won't have found it on my own

[Ken-Hawaii]

I'm going to buy some chalk later today & see whether I can get a better image of the mei.

 

Ken

[ROKUJURO]

Ken,

 

before using the chalk, I would use a brass wire brush and get rid of the red rust, especially in the grooves of the MEI. I hope you get a good contrast then so that it becomes readable.

 

Interesting item, by the way!

[Ken-Hawaii]

I'm constantly amazed at how practical the Japanese are with their weapons & tools! I had only seen the modern version of the sasumata, but when I received the older version, I realized that it was much more useful for handling perps.

 

I don't want to use a wire brush, Jean, but will see what I can do with my piece of antler.

 

Ken

 

[NihontoEurope]

Ken,

 

What about Yasushige?

 

/Martin

[runagmc]

Hard for me to see too. MASAshige?