Signature on tanto sheath

[Steffieeee]

Hi I wonder if anyone can identify and date this signature on the bottom of a tanto? I think the applique may actually be gold or gold plated, seems to be high quality work. Many thanks if so

[Nobody]

壽鶴 - Jukaku

 

[Geraint]

Dear Steff.

 

Is this affixed to the metal kojiri on the saya? I speak for myself but could we se the whole koshirae please?

 

All the best.

[xiayang]

8 hours ago, Nobody said:

壽鶴 - Jukaku

 

 

Just to provide a bit more context: this roughly translates to "long life (like a) crane" (the crane is a symbol of longevity in East Asia) and is probably an auspicious wish for the owner rather than a name.

[Steffieeee]

 

[Steffieeee]

Detail

 

[Matsunoki]

Although impressive at first glance, this is a Meiji period piece made for sale to the Gaijin present in Japan who obviously did not have the expertise at that time to differentiate between “tourist piece” and serious metalwork. The details on the saya and tsuka are usually pressed from a brass type alloy and soldered on and then subsequently very cleverly patinated to resemble true mixed metal inlays. The saya and tsuka are often given a thin wash of gilt or silver plate. The finished article can look very flashy if in good condition but the patination and gilding is usually so thin it wears off easily. The overall quality can be judged by looking at the horimono of a dragon. They are “in the same camp” as the pressed shiremono kozuka.  They represent an interesting period when Westerners were keen to buy “anything” and the artisans of the time were keen to satisfy that demand as economically as possible. Blades are sometimes forged but often just a piece of unhardened steel with a hadori hamon polished on for effect. Sometimes a better quality blade is used which often has a serious fault somewhere.

[Steffieeee]

Very interesting, yes at first glance I thought it was a piece of 20thc  trash in the style but the details are pretty nice. Very clever work really to make it look high quality

[John C]

STEFd:

If you bought it knowing what it was, then I think you still have an interesting piece of history that tells a story of the opening of the East to the West. And in a separate way, an historical piece on the history of commercialism and tourism.

 

John C.