Bishu Osafune Sukesada?

[LordThanatos]

I've bought an Eishô period wakizashi, pretty much mint. I've been told that the mei reads "Bishu Osafune Sukesada". Can anyone confirm this? Is there any other information in the mei? A date / year of forging perhaps?

 

There's also a picture of a Japanese document, that went to the Japanese government after I bought the sword. Can anyone also make out what it says? I'm kind of curious. It's the first time I bought a Japanese antique sword, so I'm very new to this. Click the thumbs below for full image.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your time and effort!

[Brian]

Hi.

May I please ask you to sign with a first name and inital as per the rules, thanks. Bit hard to call you Lord or Mr Thanatos :lol:

Search the forum for Bishu Osafune Sukesada, as there is a lot of info on the group. The paperwork you have there is just the Japanese registration paper, which is handed back once the sword leaves Japan. It just signifies the sword is genuine and licenced. It doesn't give any info on the sword at all. Condition looks good, and it is a nice complete package. Make sure you read up on the care and handling of it, as it requires care to keep it in good condition for future generations.

The Sukesadas were prolific makers, making everything from warring period "mass produced" swords to decent swords. If the price was good, then it looks like a nice starter piece.

 

Regards,

Brian

[LordThanatos]

Thanks for your reply, Brian.

 

Search the forum for Bishu Osafune Sukesada, as there is a lot of info on the group.

Will do. Already found some articles, will study all of them

 

The paperwork you have there is just the Japanese registration paper, which is handed back once the sword leaves Japan. It just signifies the sword is genuine and licenced. It doesn't give any info on the sword at all.

Ah, so no interesting info there. Mystery solved.

 

Condition looks good, and it is a nice complete package.

Indeed looks great... Some more images for those who are interested:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The only question that remains for me is if there is any indication of a date or year in the mei (see first post in this thread). I haven't browsed all the related posts regarding Bishu Osafune Sukesada yet (but I will), but I have a feeling I won't find that specific answer there. And my knowledge of Japanese is extremely limited, let alone reading the characters. Wouldn't know what's up or down, haha. So if anyone can shine a light on that, I'd be most grateful.

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

It is dated from Eisho ni nen ?? gatsu hi (?? 1505).

[Grey Doffin]

To clarify: Eisho Ni Nen means Eisho 2 year (1505) and I believe it says NI NI Gatsu Hi (a day in the 4th month). Ni Ni is double 2, which is a way to say 4 without saying 4. In Japanese, "Shi" is one way to say 4. Shi can also mean death. Therefore, you'll never find a package of four of anything in Japan and your sword is dated double 2, not 4.

Correct me if I'm wrong, please.

Grey

[John A Stuart]

Yes, That is interesting. æ­» is read 'shi and means death while å›› means four. Lots of these homophone double meaning things with luck or fortune and lack of, in the East. Makes one wonder why 'yo' isn't used instead. John

[LordThanatos]

Thanks for your fast replies and translations, everyone.

 

This is very interesting indeed...

[Guido]

"LordThanatos", Brian - the host of this forum - asked you nicely to stick to the forum rules, signing with your real name. I, as a moderator, hereby repeat this request.

[LordThanatos]

I hereby thank you for your PM, Guido

[Brian]

Pm was from me.

Thanks for understanding...we do ask it of everyone for various reasons.

Anyways..back to the sword. You do know there is a Dutch Token Society? Link is on the links page. I am sure they would enjoy seeing it. There are also a few Dutch Nihonto dealers.

I like the mounts, and the polish looks ok, so it doesn't need much in the way of work.

What are those 2 "chopsticks" made from? If metal, then they are wari kogai, and if wood or other natural material, they may be later fillers.

 

Regards,

Brian

[Bugyotsuji]

The registration card also tells you the basic measurements of the wakizashi, and that it was registered in Showa 51 in Kyoto, so there is a strong possibility that the contemporary owner lived in Kyoto at the time.

[LordThanatos]

Pm was from me.

You do know there is a Dutch Token Society? Link is on the links page. I am sure they would enjoy seeing it. There are also a few Dutch Nihonto dealers.

 

I'll be sure to check it out, thanks...

 

I like the mounts, and the polish looks ok, so it doesn't need much in the way of work.

What are those 2 "chopsticks" made from? If metal, then they are wari kogai, and if wood or other natural material, they may be later fillers.

 

I think they are the original ones, they fit absolutely perfectly. And indeed, they are made of metal, copper I'd say.