EARLY JAPANESE SWORD 'BISHU IN THE STYLE OF SUKESADA 1700-1800
Whilst I am not the full bottle on Japanese swords (especially earlier ones) I do get them reviewed by one of the two Japanese sword experts here in WA. The information they give me is relayed on the description I give.
This Japanese sword has had the tang shortened during its life and there are three holes in the Tang indicating it has been shortened twice in its life. This has been done for a variety of reasons and the most probable theory is that it has been re-mounted during its life probably as it has changed ownership or has been passed down through the family and the new owner has had it shortened to suit his size or its use has changed. Some Samurai carried a long and short Katana especially when on horse back. This shortening of the Tang is very often seen especially on the older swords. There is a partial signature at the end of the tang due to this shortening, The expert sent me the following:
"Hi Henry,
Some information on your sword .
Unfortunately most of the signature has been removed but the province ( Bishu ) and the style of signature and Harmon its possible Sukesada 1700-1800 if not earlier.
Cheers Steve."
The Tsuba (Guard) is a rare Tsuba and this style of Tsuba is highly desirable and signed, my research has shown that a smaller one in the US fetched $USD 750 on its own. The Tsuba and family is explained by my expert as follows:
Echizen-ju Kinai Echizen Province
Possibly a branch of the Miōchin (Group IV), this family was founded by Ishikawa Kinai, who moved from Kiōto to Echizen province and died in 1680. The succeeding masters, however, bore the surname of Takahashi. All sign only Kinai with differences in the characters used and in the manner of writing them.
The Kinai made guards only, of hard and well forged iron usually coated with the black magnetic oxide. They confined themselves to pierced relief showing extraordinary cleanness both of design and execution. Any considerable heightening of gold is found as a rule only in later work. Dragons in the round appear first in guards by the third master, fishes, birds, etc., in those of the fifth; while designs of autumn flowers and the like come still later.
The blade of the sword still retains its Harmon and is stained due to its age and use. The Menuki on the handle are made from Silver, The original shark skin wrap on the handle is complete however a line is shown where it has shrink slightly over age. The handle at some time has been re-wrapped. The scabbard has some slight damage as shown in the images which is barely noticeable and does not detract from its appearance.
Whilst not perfect this sword does reflect its age and is well priced.