Sword Signature Help...

[Christopher G.]

Hello Guys,

My friend sent me photos of his new sword to see if someone could help with the name of the person who made the blade. He says that its a Shinto era blade...it appears to be a bring back because it has a condination of army mounts with some civilian as well.

Sorry the pictures are not very good because he sent them to me with his iPhone.

Thanks,
Chris

[Christopher G.]

2

[Christopher G.]

3

[GHP]

I can't make out the kanji so well, but the first is 平 [hira/hei = broad/wide/flat] and the second LOOKS like it might be [an/yasu = serenety or cheap ... depending on how used]. Together it would be 平安 Heian [Broad Peace] -- but that would NOT indicate the period in which the sword was made. The last is 武 [take or mu/bu = military/military art/ etc.] which could be part of a personal noun or place name.

I can't help you any more than that; which -- actually -- is no help at all for right now.

--Guy

[nixe]

maybe Heianjo Kunitake

Mark

[nickn]

kunitake
bob?

[GHP]

Nixe & Bob,

I think y'all are right ... I can see the "castle" [jou] when I squint my eyes:

平安城国武

Here's a similar signature: 平安城住藤原国武[Heian-Jo ju Fujiwara Kunitake] Kunitake Fujiwara, living at Heian Castle -- but your signature is missing the green bits:


Chris, Note: We're not authenticating the signature, but merely translating what is engraved on the nakago. I've only had a cursory glance on the internet, but all the signatures I found had the green bits, which yours is lacking.

Cheers!
--Guy

[gunto]

I think 3 kanji is 住 JU. , resident of.
Heian ju Kunitake

[GHP]

I think 3 kanji is 住 JU. , resident of.
Heian ju Kunitake

I don't think "ju" 住 can fit in the footprint. I actually see the "earth/do" radical 土, and think it is Castle/Jo 城:


--Guy

[Luis22]

Use some baby powder on top of the signature that would help making it clearer....

[Christopher G.]

Thanks for all the great info guys...as always you're all a great help!

Regards,
Chris G.

[Dai]

平安(Heian) = the name of the city
城(jo) = city
住(ju) = live
藤原(Fujiwara) = his family name
国武(Kunitake) = his given name

This was a craftsman whose name was Kunitake Fujiwara, living in Heian city.

[GHP]

平安(Heian) = the name of the city
城(jo) = city
住(ju) = live
藤原(Fujiwara) = his family name
国武(Kunitake) = his given name

This was a craftsman whose name was Kunitake Fujiwara, living in Heian city.

All correct, except the nakago in question has only five kanji; 住 is not amongst the five: 平安城国武



--Guy