Iga no Kami Kanemichi?

[Northman]

Hello folks,

 

I am new to this forum, however I've had an interest in Nihonto, Japanese history and Kenjutsu/Iaijutsu for many years.  I've translated the attached mei as "Iga no Kami Kanemichi" - is this a correct translation?  If so, based on my research I think this is the Kanemichi of Settsu province c. 1620 - 1650, and not the famed O-Kanemichi of Mishina School fame.  Can anyone shed some more light on this mei/smith for me?

 

Many thanks in advance,

Stuart  

[Bugyotsuji]

Hi Stuart, welcome here, and yes, you are correct in your reading and supposition. Fujishiro shows a signature from a Naginata dated Kanbun 7  which is similar overall but different in a couple of small places.

[Northman]

Thanks Bugyotsuji!  I have not found much information on this smith - is there any consensus on his work?  Any more information you have, or is he more of an "unknown"?

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome, Stuart. Please be aware that there are far more gimei blades than shoshin, & that each blade should be evaluated on its features, not its mei, if any.

[Northman]

Yes, very true, Ken.  Thanks for the reminder.  This should of course always be in one's mind.

[Bugyotsuji]

Stuart, what Ken says, and Fujishiro lists this smith/blade as 新刀　中作  = Shinto, medium workmanship.

[Ian B3HR2UH]

Stuart , congratulations on reading the mei . Too many people wont even try to do this . I think that they are wasting their time in this hobby if they cannot or will not try to read signatures . The signature on your piece is beautifully cut , the tang is well finished and there is almost zero chance that it is not right .

Ian Brooks

[Bugyotsuji]

The level of difference that I mentioned above is like whether you write an o/O starting at the top or at the bottom, and which stroke of an x/X you write first. Personal habits.

 

The dot on the top of 守 'Kami' has been struck upwards, i.e from underneath on yours Stuart. The one illustrated in Fujishiro has been struck from the top downwards. This kind of thing was not casual, but deliberate, done in order to illustrate something, like a different generation for example. Forgers will also often alter a stroke somewhere. There is another striking difference, but this is as you say Stuart, just something to bear in mind. Otherwise I agree with Ian above.

[Jacques]

3 generations but only 1 or 2 oshigata from the shodai. It will be difficult to point out which generation it is. 

[Northman]

Wow - such knowledge here! Thanks again.

 

I agree, the nakago is wonderfully shaped, and I thought the mei was nicely done as well. Blade looks good, nice shinogi wakizashi, but is certainly not flawless or in perfect polish.

 

I will continue my research and perhaps post a few more pics.