Help with translation on tanto.

[cjbow320]

Hi, I was hoping someone could help me with the translation on this tanto and tell me when it might have been made. Thanks much, Chris

[John A Stuart]

I think it is Satsuyoshi Motohira 薩陽士元平 . John

[cabowen]

薩陽土元平

 

Well known shinshinto Satsuma smith Motohira......I would check the mei against valid examples as there are many fakes of his work....

[John A Stuart]

As well as Kanbun era and 2 gen of the shinshinto variety. John

[Surfson]

It is very odd to me that the mei appears to have been carved after the bohi was put into the nakago. Is this common?

[cjbow320]

Thank you very much Chris and John. I was fairly sure it was Moto ?, but with your help I can do some research on this . Thanks much, Chris

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

As for the nakago jiri (and mei) it is likely gimei for the first and second generation Motohira. I don't find any Satsuyoshi Motohira in Kanbun era.

[John A Stuart]

Hi Jacques, Satsuma, 1667-73, MOT 11, signed; Satsuyoshi Motohira, Oku Yamato no Kami Taira Ason Motohira (just like the famous MOT 12, 1789-1809 son of Motosane). John

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Satsuma, 1667-73, MOT 11

 

Hawley ?

[cabowen]

Hi Jacques, Satsuma, 1667-73, MOT 11, signed; Satsuyoshi Motohira, Oku Yamato no Kami Taira Ason Motohira (just like the famous MOT 12, 1789-1809 son of Motosane). John

 

 

There is no such entry in the Nihonto Meikan. Perhaps another error in Hawley.....

[Bugyotsuji]

Bunsei 2 and Bunsei 9 nen, earliest given Motohira in Toko Soran, p. 617.

薩陽士奥平元平、奥大和守平朝臣元平、薩摩元直の子

[runagmc]

It is very odd to me that the mei appears to have been carved after the bohi was put into the nakago. Is this common?

The mei is usually the final step, the smith won't sign before he can see the finished product... the way the mei overlaps the hi is unusual though...