Echizen Kinai tsuba box translation request

[Deez77]

Hello all,

 

I've got a beautiful four chrysanthemum Kinai tsuba papered NBTHK Hozon with quite a bit of writing on the box (outside and inside). Would someone be able to provide a translation and possibly any thoughts on the significance?

 

Thank you in advance, and happy holidays to all.

 

Damon

 

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Very nice.
Luckily all the box writing adds up, with the date of October Showa 39(37?) repeated by Kanzan. Simply descriptive with no further suggestions. Round iron 4-directional Kiku-hana Mon sukashi tsuba, with quote of displayed Mei.

Echizen Ju

Kinai Saku

[Deez77]

Thank you so much Piers. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

 

You mentioned "Kanzan" in your response. Excuse my ignorance, but is that the name of the person who wrote this out and signed with hanko? If so, is there a full name for my own reference? Many thanks.

 

Damon

[MauroP]

Dr. Satō (Kanzan) Kan’ichi (1907–1978) was one of the founders of NBTHK, and the author of "The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide". His akogaki are considered highly valuable per se (sometimes they were even forgered).

[Deez77]

Awesome! Thank you Mauro.

[SteveM]

Struggling a bit with this.

 

優品之一？is my best guess, but maybe only 50% confidence.

 

 

 

 

[k morita]

Steve san,

優品之一也　yuhin no hitotsu nari  (one of the best work).

[Deez77]

Thanks a lot Steve and K. Morita.

 

Pretty cool to know that someone so prominent judged the tsuba as one of the best (presumably of the school). Perhaps I should send to shinsa to see if it will attain Tokubetsu Hozon.

 

Damon S.