Translation

[Jacques D.]

Hi guys, I'm stuck on these characters - does anyone know what they are?

[Bugyotsuji]

二難并

Ni (Futa?) nan hei…

*If that is right I am not sure what it means or how to read it correctly.(?)

[xiayang]

1 hour ago, Bugyotsuji said:

二難并

 

I agree with @Bugyotsuji's reading.

 

Let me engage in a bit of wild speculation: could this be the sword's nickname?  A literal translation might be "two difficulties at the same time" – or, more creatively, maybe something like "Double Trouble"? 

 

Note that the phrase 二難並 (simplified: 二難并/二难并) goes back to the early Tang-dynasty (7th century CE) work 滕王閣序 (Téngwáng Gé Xù = Preface to Prince Teng's Pavilion) by the Chinese poet Wang Bo (王勃).

[Jacques D.]

In my opinion, this inscription was not made by the swordsmith; it was made after the signature. Sword is signed Echigo no kami Kanesada 越後守包貞 (照包) and it seems shoshin. According to the owner, this sword has been in his family since 1930/40.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Is the inlay gold, or chalk used for visibility?

[Jacques D.]

Chalk

[Jussi Ekholm]

I am liking Jan's thought of it being a named sword.

[BANGBANGSAN]

In Wang Bo's poetry, "二難并“ refer to the rarity of having both a virtuous ruler and an esteemed guest gather together.

Could it be that on this blade, the meaning of“二難并” suggests it simultaneously possesses both artistic beauty and practical combat functionality?

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes, I like it!

"Paradox embodied".............. two birds with one stone, the best of both worlds, perfect balance, any more (?)