A last question about Koshirae if i may.

[shan]

I have just recieved this Sword and would like to ask a few questions.

 

My questions are.

What do you call this type of saya decoration and fittings on this wakizashi and what period would they likely be from?

Are the menuki consistent with these basic mounts or slightly more "upmarket"?

 

This is the first of 3 final questions that i would appreciate a little help with.

I will not respond to any responces unless asked to.

Many thanks

Shan

 

[Brian]

Shan,

Those fittings look standard handachi fittings to me. You see them quite often in various forms. Not sure of the date, but am sure mid to late Edo again.

The menuki look quite nice, and I would say of a better standard than the other fittings.

 

Brian

[shan]

I forgot to say that the Ito is made up of loads of twisted, very fine string (silk i would guess) you can see a plait near the Fuchi in the multiple image picture and one that has "seperated" a little.

Would this denote a high end job or again just a simple piece of workmanship?

I am guessing that this method of ito wrapping would take considerably more time to do and therefore would cost more, so be of higher status?

regards

shan

[Brian]

I don't think this is about status at all. It is a nicer and more difficult method of binding. I guess it was up to the owner's taste and pocket what binding he requested. It wouldn't be more significant than just personal preference, kinda like anyone who wears expensive sunglasses but lives in debt.

I like that binding..but I wouldn't read too much into the rest of the package based on the tsukamaki. Nice menuki and reasonable handachi fittings. Overall a nice package that might have been enjoyed by a merchant or ?

 

Brian