TRANSLATION HELP....

[Ed]

..NEEDED.

I recently aquired a small wakizashi with what appears to be a poem or prayer engraved on both sides of the blade. It is done in a mixture of hirogana and kanji. I have translated it (I think correctly), but have no idea what it means or relates to.

 

The only information I have is that it was said to be made by a court noble named Arihira. Supposedly he was a poet who worked exclusively for the emperor, and whose hobby was making swords.

 

Any ideas ??

[Nobody]

The meaning of the poem seems to be as follows. But it might be incorrect. I really do not have enough knowledge of Japanese classics.

 

"Sheathe the sword, a man should more and more polish his heart."

 

The smith/poet is Chigusa Arikoto (千種有功) in Yamashiro at late Edo period. ShoSanMi (正三位) is his title in court.

[Ed]

Moriyama,

Thank you for the information, it was a big help.

I have seen information on Arikoto as a sword smith, but nothing on his poetry works.

Again my thanks.

Ed

[Nobody]

I just found a Tanto of Arikoto with the same poem on a web page below.

The poem on the blade can be clearly seen.

 

http://sinogi.ddo.jp/sinsin/katarogu/18 ... 34383.html