Reading Guntō Signatures

[Kiipu]

Early Period

Swordsmith's two character name followed by the character(s).

作 = 0167 SAKU = work, a production. tsuku(ru) = make, create, manufacture.

造 = 6061 tsuku(ru) = make, create, manufacture, build, fabricate.

鍛 = 6318 kita(eru) = forge, temper.

謹 = 5688 KIN tsutsushi(nde) = respectfully, reverently, humbly.

之 = 0048 kore = this.

Often SAKU & kore or tsuku(ru) & kore.

 

The character numbers are coming from The New Nelson Japanese-English Character Dictionary by Andrew N. Nelson and John H. Haig.  The "on" 音 or Sino-Japanese readings are in CAPITAL LETTERS while the "kun" 訓 or native Japanese readings are in italics.

 

The concept and format is coming from pages 13 to 21 of Frederick A. Fimio's 2002 book, Swords and Swordsmiths of the Gendai Period, 1868–1989.  I have always liked the way he presented this information and imitation is the highest form of flattery!

[Kiipu]

Mid 16th Century

Use of clan names & honorary titles arose.  The clan name will come before the swordsmith's name.

藤原 Fujiwara.

源 Minamoto.

橘 Tachibana.

平 Taira.

紀 Ki.

菅原 Sugawara.

 

A good starting point to learn more about the various clans can be found at the link below.

Japanese clans

[Bruce Pennington]

One of the first name kanji I was pushed to learn was - 兼 - Kane.  It's the most common name-half.  It helps to reduce the name search, as you only have to figure out the second kanji.  As with all of these, the trouble comes when the smith gets loose with the strokes and appearance!