Gendai Inscription Help

[Mark]

I have a sword dated 1937 by Okishiba Masatsugu (Osaka smith I think). There is an inscription on the other side of the nakago. Can someone help me with the translation/meaning please.

 

All help appreciated.

 

 

[cabowen]

東久邇宮家御下命　　記念

 

Higashikuninomiya Ke Go-kamei  Kinen

 

In commemoration of an order from the family of Higashikuninomiya

 

This was a branch of the Imperial family that was de-Imperialized after the war....

[Mark]

Chris,

 

Thanks!  not the type of custom order I am used to so I was having a hard time making it out. appreciate the help

[cabowen]

You're welcome...How about a few shots of the blade?

[Mark]

it has good width, gunome temper but the polish makes it hard to show, a lot of sunagashi and nie, maybe Soshu style

[cabowen]

Looks a bit short....How long is it? From what I can see, it looks pretty nice!

[Mark]

25 3/8" so maybe a little short but it is a bit wider than normal so that adds to  making it look short

[george trotter]

Nice to see another blade by the Okishiba line of Osaka. I have one by Okishiba Yoshisada (depending on which Masatsugu you have) either his son of his brother.

For your info they were a good group, still going I think. They descend from the Heianjo line of Kyoto and are linked by blood to the Okimoto line of Osaka.

You have either the father, Okishiba Masatsugu or 2nd Dai Okishiba Masatsugu.

(2 dai worked with 7th Gassan student Enomoto Sadayoshi) and was followed by Okishiba Masakuni who is now dead I think?

I have an old WWII newspaper clipping that shows Masatsugu and his son Masatsugu both worling in Tokyo for Prince Higashikuni (I attach), maybe Chris can check it and give you a bit clearer explanation than I can. Osaka Asahi Shimbun May 30 1939.

Hope this helps,

[Mark]

George

 

I am not into gendai. I was interested in the inscription. But here is a picture of the mei. I have no idea which one it is, I did not know there were two.

[cabowen]

The newspaper article details the work of Okishiba Masatsugu and his helpers to make sword(s) for Higashikuninomiya. The lengths of the swords mentioned in the article do not match Mark's sword, but the both the article and sword date to the same year. It is possible Mark's sword wasn't actually ordered by the Higashikuninomiya family, but made afterwards to "commemorate" the order, as that is what it is written on the sword. Perhaps Morita san will have a proper interpretation....