Question about Mei: Yoshinobu?

[itsoverthere]

Hi,

 

I'm curious about the Mei on this piece and was hoping, once again, that someone might be able to make a suggestion. Mei reads only "Yoshinobu" however the only Yoshinobu I can find any real info on is the Yoshinobu that was a student of Tadayoshi - a Hizen smith and as I understand it (with my very limited knowledge) this blade is in a Mino style. I realise the chances that this is Gimei but still I wanted to ask for any thoughts anyone might have. Again please forgive any ignorance but suggestions are very welcome. Thanks.

 

Adam.

[nagamaki - Franco]

Curious indeed, this looks to be a Shinshinto period copy of an early Koto Mino Kanemoto, possibly signed by a Shinto Yamashiro Settsu smith no less, with a Bizen looking nakago jiri . Wow, this blade represents more than half the gokaden over multi historical periods in one sword.

[shan]

Hi,

I cannot find a Mino smith with the name ,but Bizen and Yamashiro are listed.

If i had to hazard a guess based on the image i would say that the Nakago looks later than 1750.

The latest i can find is a yamashiro smith from 1688 but having a blade from that period and school i cannot see that yours appears as old based on Nakago.

It is also worth noting that none of the later smiths signed with just 2 characters.

I would guess that this is a gimei (IMHO) of the much earlier Bizen smith who did sign Yoshi-nobu. one in 1293 and another 1362 and again in 1394 as they were JO JO saku.

its just a guess though

i am sure people more knowledgable will help you further.

regards

shan

[John A Stuart]

I like this sword. Mino togariba. Sanbonsuji. The name reminds me of the Zenjo ha, also called the Yoshitada ha. The 'yoshi' is common in this school. No Yoshinobu yet though. John

[itsoverthere]

The seller said Muromachi period but.........

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

The seller said Muromachi period but.........

 

Flash might put off people with Nakago patina but the mekugiana seems drilled to me, not punched, so I

guess it's not Muromachi and tend to agree with Franco on this one.

[John A Stuart]

The okissaki points to very late Edo period perhaps start of shinshinto period. I'll bet this sword has very little sori as well. How long is it? John

[itsoverthere]

It's quite a short Wakizashi - the edge is 14".

[Grey Doffin]

My guess is either Shin-Shinto or later, or the business end of something that was broken at or above the machi and remade into a short wakizashi. If the latter, no idea why the signature unless it was added to increase the value.

Grey

[John A Stuart]

Don't know Grey, but, I do get the feeling it wants to go on a bit. John

[hybridfiat]

Ive often wondered if smiths who get the task of cutting down an old sword, sign them to indicate who did the work.

Did they?

[John A Stuart]

Sometimes. See here; http://www.johnstuart.biz/new_page_14.htm The top one. John

[itsoverthere]

Thanks to those who have made suggestions so far. The seller (who has been given a favorable mention - including by yourself actually Hybridfiat just a couple of weeks ago) seemed pretty sure about it - (excluding mei of course but including the age - but I guess who can be sure?). Actually though he did say if there were problems then he'd be ok to take it back. I admit I'm a sucker for openness but he seemed very genuine. Again though, thanks for the input.

 

Does it seem possible that an old blade was more recently cut down?

[Brian]

Adam,

I can't verify if this is earlier than a Shinshinto or not, but I can say that if it is post 1750 or so, that certainly doesn't pose a problem for the sword in my eyes. Lots of nice shinshinto out there, and unless you are one that only wants early blades, there is nothing about it that would make me consider it a problem. Lots of shinshinto out there that are far better than mass produced Koto. If you like it, then enjoy it. Don't get too fixated on the age

 

Brian

[itsoverthere]

Thanks Brian,

 

No, I'm not particularly concerned about age, I was just wondering. I like it regardless of how old it is, and I certainly think it should be better to have sth with quality more recently produced than a mass produced, low quality blade with greater age.

Adam