Assistance of KANJI problem

[NihontoEurope]

Hello,

 

I have had a really hard time figuring this one out. Does anyone have a clue?

 

Kanji is:

近山 五兵 Chikayama Gohei

and

上 加

 

The above is probably the name of the sword owner.

 

What is the below? Given away?

 

Attaching image.

[attachment=0]MEI.jpg[/attachment]

 

This sword had a special possesion permit called:

DAIMYO TOROKU 大名登録

 

Regards

 

Martin

[DirkO]

Isn't a Daimyo Toroku (sho) just a torokusho with a very early low number? They call it Daimyo because the first ones to have their swords registered this way were the nobility at that time. More info:

 

http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/articles/sword_law.pdf

[NihontoEurope]

Dirk,

 

Ok! I did not know that info.

 

At the time when I bought the sword it was said that a high ranking Japanese individual owned it.

 

This particular sword had license number 382.

 

As bonus information, I have a sword that had number 11. I guess that is close to Tokubetsu Juyo in the Torokusho world.

 

I am still very curious what the Kanji "上 加" means.

 

/Martin

[DirkO]

Hi Martin,

 

They use it merely as a selling point, but it's more nuanced probably. Seeing the blade belonged to someone important at that time, doesn't mean by definition that it's a good blade (although one can expect a somewhat higher standard - the Daimyo addage is made purely to this effect)

[NihontoEurope]

Hi Dirk,

 

Yes, everything with Dai is big.

Not that it makes a huge impact on me. A matter of fact is that this was communicated to me after the sale so I paid no extra for the Dai : )

 

Normally I would not have purchased this sword, but since it was a Taira sword and I fancy swords from that Clan I could not help myself. So it Dai'ed up my Taira collection somewhat.

 

/Martin

[cabowen]

Can you post an image of the torokusho?

[NihontoEurope]

Chris,

 

I will post both 11 and 382.

 

I have studied both of them and there is a difference between them and DAI exists in the 382. Trying to find differences in the 11 against other high numbered.

 

It is very interesting. I must admit.

 

[attachment=0]11_382.jpg[/attachment]

 

/Martin

[NihontoEurope]

Chris,

 

Looked at another one. This time with a considerable higher number and DAI exists.

 

I have another theory about this DAI-thing.

 

Anyway...here is the draw:

 

[attachment=0]51469.JPG[/attachment]

 

/Martin

[cabowen]

382: 大分　is Oita Prefecture...Not sure what the Dai 大 on the top of the other means as I can't see the complete document....

[NihontoEurope]

Chris,

 

That is the top of the document.

 

/Martin

[cabowen]

Ok, now I see....

 

No idea what the significance is of that kanji in that location....

[NihontoEurope]

Chris,

 

Ok! Thanks for the input.

 

I will have to go through all my licenses now. : )

 

/Martin

[k morita]

Martin,

 

The character which you consider as DAI is a half of a tally impression.

Not DAI.

[NihontoEurope]

Morita san,

 

Thank you!

 

/Martin