Gimei - probably but?

[drbvac]

I have this naginata that is signed " Higo Donatuki Matahachi" Nagasa is 46.3 cm, nakago is a long 47.1 cm and it "looks" right age. I "have some other oshigata - some are close - others not - and it is high on the nakago so ? Opinions accepted with thanks

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Brian,

Here are some oshigata. The 1st 2 are from Yumei Koto Taikan by Iimura and the last 2 are a naginata from Juyo Token nado Zufu, #26, by NBTHK.

Grey

[drbvac]

Thanks Grey - I had one of them, but not the others -- but now it seems to look a lot like

 

 

HMMM Wish I could put them side by side - same coloration -- close as I can get -- mines on the right --

now thoughts - maybe its not gimei???????

 

[sanjuro]

Certainly similar enough to be interesting. Why the different placement of the signature on the nakago I wonder?

[drbvac]

Not sure and there are 2 mekugiana on mine and for a nakago it is pretty long -/?

 

ANy of the "experts" want to share their opinions?

[Grey Doffin]

The mei on Brian's naginata is slightly lower on the nakago than the one on the Juyo naginata, but I think it is possible that Brian's naginata is slightly machi okuri (notches have been moved up). Even if this isn't the case I'm not bothered by the small difference in placement of the mei between the 2 naginata; the mei looks very good.

Dotanuki blades are expected to be thick and wide, heavy for their size, and to have ample hira-niku (meat, clam shell cross section). Is this so with the naginata in question?

Here is another Matahachi mei, from a blade that hasn't been papered but which I'm convinced is correct.

Grey

[Toryu2020]

I believe the signature correct -

Dotanuki remember did not command a lot of respect or high prices until modern times - when TV and movies made them more well known and when rich collectors started seeking out swords made in their home town. This mei has age and I would expect Dotanuki gimei from more recent fakers.

 

on top of that the workmanship seen in the blade fits the school - I have a little Dotanuki wak myself the diffeences I see in the mei look to be the usual variation one might see in your own signature...

 

MHO

-tom

[Ted Tenold]

Brain,

 

The mei looks rightous by comparison to me too. I also agree with Grey that your sword may have been slightly machi okuri. The placement of the ana on polearms can vary depending on the length and also upon the style and placement of the fittings on the Ebu (shaft), so I wouldn't worry terribly about that. The character, stroke order, depth, and style all look to be really good on yours, and I'd send it through for shinsa without much more consideration as long as the blade condition presents no objectionable flaws.

[drbvac]

Well - I hoped as much but tended based on the oshigata I had access to that it was gimei - one never knows till they sign the shinsa papers does one. That said I am pleased, as I said, it is nearly 3 feet long and motohaba is 27 mm and the blade is 7mm thick so it is quite beefy.