Kozuka + Kogatana

[DSweet]

Being the n00b that i am when it comes to most things Nihonto, i figured i would present this.

 

I ran across this set while looking at antique Netsuke. Seems the dealer doesn't know much about it as the description is lacking.

 

http://www.zentnercollection.com/items/752873/item752873zentner.html

 

I cannot even begin to read mei, and do not qualify myself as being able to identify good tosogu. Please share any ideas/enlightenment you might have. I am not looking to buy this, but thought it might be worth pointing out.

 

-Donovan (sorry, i usually don't forget)

[Brian]

Donovan

 

I haven't translated the kogatana yet, but does look like a nice kozuka. Remember that the mei on a kogatana is very seldom anything special and they seem to use all sorts of important names on them, but I would go so far as to say that most times, the mei on a kogatana is of no real relevance.

If there is a signature on the back of the kozuka though..then that is usually a different story. The kozuka is the most important part, with the blade secondary. I like it though, although I have no info on it. Late Edo? Might even be a fair deal.

 

Brian

[DSweet]

*slaps self for not signing*

 

Not being into Kendo myself, i will assume that Wiki is correct in saying that bugo weren't used till early Edo period. That being said, you can't really tell age from just design in this case. The description puts the material as Bronze, would this be accurate? Can bronze patina to this dark of a color? Looks more like shakudo to me.

 

-Donovan

[Bungo]

from the pic, my guess is the base material is shibuchi ( spelling ? )

 

milt