Japanese Ken Cont..

[FletchSan]

Hi all,

 

I received the very interesting tanto / ken that was originally discussed here in respect to the translation of the horimono.

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/21026-horimono-translation/

 

The dragon horimono in particular is very impressive in hand. I've taken a few more photos which reveal a little more detail.

 

The nagasa is 31cm and width motohaba is 3.7cm

 

I'm guessing the only way to really identify the smith in this case would be from the horimono (assuming the smith did the engraving).

Is anyone aware of any good references of horimono dragons? I'm assuming the blade is probably meiji period based on the nakago patina alone.

 

thanks,

 

Ben

[Stephen]

neat little ken. not knowing the worth id still consider having rust removed

[Brian]

Agree with Stephen. Tidy little horimono, not one of the cheap and nasty ones we often see. Since it is short, I would have it polished.

[Ken-Hawaii]

The only thing that bothers me is that the sides of the blade are parallel, while in every true ken I've seen, they indent slightly at the middle. Looks nicely-made, though. Is it hard to polish horimono?

 

Ken

 

[FletchSan]

I was wondering the same thing and also how much detail you may lose in a polish.

[ggil]

Pitting isn't bad then the polisher needn't cut too deep I don't think. If I was a polisher I wouldn't touch the horimono. They aren't Hallam San after all. Seriously if the dragon isn't red and rusting then they should leave it alone and let the dark contrast to the light and pop, imo.

 

Nakago looks to have lost some patina and is rusting.

[FletchSan]

Saw this today on Aoi Art. It is also a straight Ken. Obviously much older but interesting to see another one with parallel edges vs. a traditional Ken shape.

http://www.aoijapan.com/ken-mumei-atttributed-as-kanetaka

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Ben,

The best reference I know of for Horimono in general, rather than from a specific smith or school, is Nihonto no Horimono by Dr. Sato.  Here's a link to the book on my site:

http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/books/b570-nihonto-no-horimono-dr-sato

Can't tell you if it will help identify your smith, though.

Happy holidays,  Grey