Very interesting mounted tachi from around the Meiji/Late Bakumatsu period. Around this time, there were many major changes in everything from Samurai life style, to major shifts in the government. Around this time, swords started to take on a western style appearance, and there were many transition pieces. This tachi is an example of that time, it is a tachi, yet the same’ is in the style as if the blade was worn katana style. Many blades of this time were worn both ways depending upon the style desired. Also the style of the fittings are done in the style known as “toppei” which was a very popular style during these times. The use of all silver for the fittings, most likely all made by the same maker has the sakura flower that became the main mark used in WW2 military mountings there is some small damage on the kojiri, but it is in otherwise god condition. Obviously it needs a handle wrap, and we can provide this service if the buyer provides or buys the menuki from us for an additional $175. The scabbard is very interesting, reddish lacquer over some type of woven material creates a very nice effect, and matches the silver fittings well. An interesting pointis the use of iron hangers for the sageo with the silver base fittings. The blade is clean in old polish. Hamon is a nice active gunome midare with lots of fine kinsuji running through the temperline. There one very very small openings on the omote, but the rest of the blade is in good condition. Tang is signed Bizen Sukesane, but this signature is in our opinion not genuine. But the blade is very nice and has much to enjoy. An original silver foil habaki completes the package. |
