Help identifying kozuka(with new photos)

[Akaei]

Hello, 

I recently uploaded a photo of my kozuka blade that I bought from a flea market, but obviously no one could give information with only one photo. So now I’m uploading better photos. There is a writing on the blade which I can’t read as well. My questions are: when was it made? By whom? And should I restore the gold that has worn off from the handle? 
Thank you. 

[Dan tsuba]

Hello Akaei,

 

I noticed no one responded to your post!  Not that I know anything about kogatana blades!  But it does appear to be as though it has been seriously shortened.  Also (as you stated), it looks like some sort of design or writting on the blade (I wonder what that is all about?).  Hey, I may be wrong (I usually am!).

 

With respect,

Dan

[Grevedk]

Good evening Akaei,

 

You have a very nice, original and quite old Kozuka in your hand. As shown on your photos it’s Mumei (without inscription / name of maker) which often make it difficult to place maker, school or period accurately. Material is apparently on a Shakudo-Nanako plate with a motive of a samurai fighting a storm / strong wind kami “Kamikazi”. Your Kozuka could well be from the Goto-school and made in the late Edo or early Meiji period (just my guess).

 

The design, materials and carving indicate a capable artist. It is in a fine preserved state, and I would therefore not recommend that you make any alterations or repairs on it - unless you truly know what you are dealing with. And very few of us have that knowledge. 

 

Congratulations on a super flea-market find  - well done👍

 

All the best

 

Soren