Translation Assistance Tang w/ possible cutting test

[MKS-13]

I inherited several swords and have recently decided to sell a few of them. I would love it if someone could help with translating both sides of this tang. Usually when I see gold inlay I think it is a cutting test, but someone has told me differently. They did not specifically translate the kanji, just said it was not cutting test. I am also curious if anyone here could give me an approximation of reasonable selling price for this item.

 

I do plan to sell this item and wish to be able to give a reasonable guess at what the translation of the tang is. All responses are appreciated. I was so pleased to see many members of this forum that have been of help to others in my position.

 

Thank you in advance.

Mandi S.

[SwordGuyJoe]

I can't read the inlay, but the signature seems Noshu Takada Ju(?) Fujiwara Kaneyuki. If I'm wrong, someone will quickly correct me.

 

In order to estimate price, we'll need pix of the blade.

[Stephen]

are you going to offer it here first?

[MKS-13]

Thank for the super quick reply.

 

I'm working on pics of the blade as we type.

 

I want to resize them so they stay in the post.

[MKS-13]

I will offer it here first, if I am allowed.

 

I'm still reading through the rules. Some forums do not want people to post items for sale and I do not want to upset anyone or get kicked off of such an informative board.

[takakage]

Hi,

 

Hoshu (Bungo) takada no ju fujiwara tsuguyuki is written.

[SwordGuyJoe]

Best Guess: http://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KAN3141

[takakage]

Rather this one for me

 

http://nihontoclub.com/smiths/TSU219

[MKS-13]

Here are a few pictures of the blade and mountings. The notes left on the sword say the the mountings are original.

 

I think I can only post 5 photos at a time so I will post the first 4 (blade & mountings) then the second 2 (full tang) in another reply. I'll work on a photo bucket account or picassa album for future posts to conserve bandwidth.

 

Thank you all for your input.

 

MKS

[Stephen]

Pat has it, with the help you get here I would expect it to get offered here before anywhere else, the right thing to do imo

 

ok you posted as iwas posting, very nice package need to see the tsuba also

[MKS-13]

Her are 2 photos of the full tang.

 

Thanks again,

MKS

[MKS-13]

Pat has it, with the help you get here I would expect it to get offered here before anywhere else, the right thing to do imo

 

ok you posted as iwas posting, very nice package need to see the tsuba also

 

 

Agreed having seen all the assistance this forum has given to others it is only the proper thing to do.

[Stephen]

also missing same' an lacquer on saya

[Stephen]

see you live in Chicago, if you can wait if not sold here they have a show in spring

[SwordGuyJoe]

Agreed that I am wrong - "No" vs. "Ho" sent my down the wrong path. Thanks!

[Stephen]

seems he worked in 1660s, looking forward to tsuba

[cabowen]

Tsuguyuki is a smith from the Bungo Takada group. He worked during the Kanbun period, circa 1661. This groups of smiths is well known for producing a large number of utilitarian blades. While usually not given a lot of respect from collectors, there are some nice examples from time to time. Your blade looks to be in nice condition and of a good length. The workmanship is hard to determine from the photos, but from what is visible, it looks quite nice.

 

The inlay reads:

 

立袈裟落

 

Which I take to mean that the sword performed a standing kesa cut (diagonal through the shoulder to the opposite side above the pelvis)...

[MKS-13]

I thought I should mention that the blade is 29 3/4 inches long from tip to the step.

 

Photos of the tsuba, etc. are coming up shortly.

 

Thanks,

[MKS-13]

Here are some tsuba photos.

[MKS-13]

Now the other "parts" photos.

 

Thanks,

[MKS-13]

Tsuguyuki is a smith from the Bungo Takada group. He worked during the Kanbun period, circa 1661. This groups of smiths is well known for producing a large number of utilitarian blades. While usually not given a lot of respect from collectors, there are some nice examples from time to time. Your blade looks to be in nice condition and of a good length. The workmanship is hard to determine from the photos, but from what is visible, it looks quite nice.

 

The inlay reads:

 

立袈裟落

 

Which I take to mean that the sword performed a standing kesa cut (diagonal through the shoulder to the opposite side above the pelvis)...

 

Thank you so much, I truly appreciate the information.

[cabowen]

You are most welcome.

[Stephen]

now a good lookover of the blade, any hips/nics in the cutting rdge, openings in the hada? some shots of any activity in the blade we should be able to give a ball park price, don't forget the boshi.

[MKS-13]

Okay, Here is a few photos of a nick in the blade cutting edge and the tip of the blade.

 

More photos will follow.

 

Thanks.

[MKS-13]

Additional photos of the blade. It is really difficult to photograph any activity in the blade.

 

I hope that your trained eyes will see it better than mine.

[Stephen]

blade looks healthy plenty of meat for a polish, over all its a bit ruff, id say somewhere in 2-3K range might be a bit high do to condition. Maybe a photo of the kogai might bump it up, the extra nagasa is a plus.

[MKS-13]

Her are a few pictures of the kogai.

 

Thanks again.

[Stephen]

looks good to my eyes but will wait for tosogu member to make the call.

[mdiddy]

Hoshu (Bungo) takada no ju fujiwara tsuguyuki is written.

Tsuguyuki is a smith from the Bungo Takada group. He worked during the Kanbun period, circa 1661.

I think the mei is not Tsuguyuki, but rather Muneyuki. Full translation: Hoshu Takada no ju Fujiwara Muneyuki.

 

Working in Keicho so late 1500s, early 1600s. Fujishiro considers him the founder of Shinto Takada school.

[mdiddy]

Here is a Muneyuki I once had, exuberant hamon, albeit out of polish.