Kogatana. Need opinions.

[EdWolf]

I have picked up a kogatana. It was cheap and a bit of a gamble. The blade is nicely done and decorated but the shirasaya is odd. Never seen one before. Made for tourists? What do you guys think? All opinions are highly appreciated. 

Regards, Ed

[SteveM]

The kogatana is good. The saya, not so good. I would feel no regret if that kogatana got liberated from that saya. 

 

The poem on the kogatana is what makes it interesting to me. Trying to read it, but I can't get it. I think it is a poem related to the flower on the blade (yuri - lily).

[EdWolf]

Hi Steve,

 

At first, I had the same feeling about the kogatana and the saya. I have mixed feelings about the saya. It is obviously strange and it has the vibe of a tourist piece but on the other hand the fit is perfect. Why use a good kogatana to create such a saya. 

The poem intrigued me as well but I can't read even a part of it.

Thanks for your reply.

Regards, Ed

[Bugyotsuji]

I think it's the other way round. You often see kozuka and kogatana in shirasaya, and some people collect them that way.

 

The owner of yours must have really liked the kogatana, so decided to make/carve (or have carved) a special 'proper' koshirae for it. Kougeihin folk art? Possibly kept in a drawer as a paper knife, but not really fashionable nowadays.

[EdWolf]

Hi Piers, 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. That's an interesting point of view. Never thought about it .

Regards, Ed