Assistance with translation on Nakagomune

[Lewis B]

This modern blade has kanji on the nakago mune in addition to the ura and omote sides of the nakago. Curious what it says and why some makers would mark their blades in this location rather than add it to the sides of the nakago. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Will have to leave the translation to those more adept, the location is a bit special and often used for dedications. Sometimes it can be used for swords with extensive inscriptions and cutting tests where there is literally no more room left to add anything else. One instance was a rather spectacular Utsushi-Mono that noted the original sword in gold inlay.

 

The only one that I can offer a link for is this Gassan Sadakazu, with the presentation added to the Nakago Mune sometime after the sword was made: https://nihontoart.c...l-treasure-sadakazu/

 

 

 

 

 

[Lewis B]

My first inclination was that its a dedication. Name on the omote, date on the ura and dedication or personalisation on the mune. 

[moriarty]

I believe the translation could be 賞浅田ヒ具吾君重代 -(Presented to Asada Higo?) 

 

As John kindly pointed above, many dedications are often inscribed on the mune instead of the ura side. Maybe it has something to do with Japanese nihonto collectors thinking front and center dedications lower the value of the piece? But that's just a personal ramble 

 

                        Kind Regards

                                  

 

 

Edited December 31, 2024 by moriarty
Edited for clarification, just look below for a better translation

[Nobody]

為浅田眞吾君重代 – For Mr. Asada Shingo and successive generations

[Lewis B]

Thanks everyone. Would a personal inscription of unknown historical significance negatively impact value? The blade dates to the late 80's so unlikely to have a military or Daimyo connection. I know watches that have personal inscriptions on the casebook make them less attractive on the secondary market when offered for sale. 

[moriarty]

As with everything, it depends on the buyer, some can enjoy dedications as a caretaking lineage of sorts. Never seen this topic affect western collectors for all that's worth. 

[Shugyosha]

1 hour ago, Lewis B said:

Thanks everyone. Would a personal inscription of unknown historical significance negatively impact value? The blade dates to the late 80's so unlikely to have a military or Daimyo connection. I know watches that have personal inscriptions on the casebook make them less attractive on the secondary market when offered for sale. 

 

Hi Lewis, I don't think so in the west - I think Ray Singer answered a similar question recently with the conclusion that, as it is a special order sword, it would have received the smith's best efforts and superior materials and therefore be superior to his normal production. Not sure if that would be the case in Japan.