QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Why is the "KAMON" on scabbard upside down?
The KAMON is not upside-down. It is widely known that Tachi swords were worn with the edge down, slung on the side of the body, exactly the opposite of the Katana. Because Tachi is worn edge down the KAMON remains in the proper position. It is nothing unusual and most Japanese swords experts know this. The fittings that hold the sword were added later in an improper way.
“Unlike the traditional manner of wearing the katana, the tachi was worn hung from the belt with the cutting-edge down, and was most effective when used by cavalry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachi
“Since Tachi were worn with the cutting edge facing downward the tachi-mei is found on the side that would face away from the body of the wearer.” The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords by Kokan Nagayama, 1997, ISBN 4-7700-2071-6
Also when this Sword is put on a horizontal mounting in the classic for a Tachi, ends-down, position the KAMON is presented in a proper way, once again. This sword must have had very special significance to the owner. For whatever reason the owner, who was clearly wealthy enough to have more than one sword, choose to have this sword only for viewing [a well practiced ceremony in Japan]. This is supported by the fact that the signature on the NAKAGO attributes the sword to a building [presumed to be a temple]. This means the sword was dedicated and stayed in the temple for most of the time.
“Unlike the traditional manner of wearing the katana, the tachi was worn hung from the belt with the cutting-edge down, and was most effective when used by cavalry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachi
“Since Tachi were worn with the cutting edge facing downward the tachi-mei is found on the side that would face away from the body of the wearer.” The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords by Kokan Nagayama, 1997, ISBN 4-7700-2071-6
Also when this Sword is put on a horizontal mounting in the classic for a Tachi, ends-down, position the KAMON is presented in a proper way, once again. This sword must have had very special significance to the owner. For whatever reason the owner, who was clearly wealthy enough to have more than one sword, choose to have this sword only for viewing [a well practiced ceremony in Japan]. This is supported by the fact that the signature on the NAKAGO attributes the sword to a building [presumed to be a temple]. This means the sword was dedicated and stayed in the temple for most of the time.
2. Why is the curve "SORI" of this Tachi deeper than most?
Our research indicates that the blade of this Tachi can potentially be much older, dating between 11th - 13th centuries A.D., a period when the shape of SORI was much less standardized and heavily influenced by Mongolian, Chinese and Korean swords. We admit this sword has a slightly deeper SORI but it does not differ much from Koshi / Bizen SORI. Further the deep SORI was very common during Heian and especially Kamakura period. For example, famous swords by Rai School were know to have large SORI. Finally this Tachi was intended specifically for cavalry not infantry and Cavalry Tachi where known to be much longer and with a larger SORI. The fact that this is a Cavalry Tachi also indicates ownership by a high status samurai.
SORI of a RAI School Sword
SORI on our TACHI Sword
3. Why is "NAKAGO" tang straight, on most Japanese swords it is curved?
The NAKAGO is straight, however that does not indicate wrongness. It does indicate that this sword was made in a different way than most other known swords. Our research shows that a straight NAKAGO is seen on ancient Japanese swords such as Tsurugi. Since we have metal analysis that proves the authenticity of the blade, what we have is hybrid Tachi, an early experimental version made when the cannons of the Japanese sword-making were just being established. At that time swordsmiths experimented and tested various designs. This Tachi is possibly the only surviving Samurai sword with a straight NAKAGO. This makes it extremely valuable.
4. Should silver fittings be on a 16th century Japanese sword?
The Silver Fittings, are likely to be a much later modification. This is not uncommon. Many ancient Japanese swords were modified to much more severe extent. We are lucky this sword survived as it did.
5. What does the signature on the "NAKAGO" tang mean?
FIRST TWO SYMBOLS
Type: URA-MEI – signed on the ura (usually the date).
Meaning: Purity in the Temple of the Sun*
*A typical description of a season, in this case: fall or winter.
Notes:
Symbols are absent in the official Japanese language and can only be read in Ancient, prior to 14th century Chinese [in Japan sometimes called the old Kanji ] which was used in Japan, China and Korea prior to 14th century. Symbols are inscribed differently then the rest with clear tilt to the right.
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FOLLOWING SEVEN SYMBOLS
Type: OKKAKE MEI - an applied signature by another as a mark of respect.
Meaning:
Notes:
These symbols are inscribed differently then the first two, with minimal tilt. Inscribed in ancient Japanese since combinations of these symbols are not used in any other Asian language. Inscribed in abbreviated (stylized) form since some symbols are missing certain parts. This type of writing is called: Ryakudzi (略字) meaning “abbreviated signs” and is commonly used with versions of Kanji. Kanji is the oldest written alphabet in Japan. It is a collection of Chinese characters that are still in use in modern Japanese. There are tens of thousands of characters that are used in everyday communications.
We had a Japanese person from Japan, who knew nothing about this Tachi other than the signature on the NAKAGO, independently read this signature. They did not have much difficulty reading the signature with high degree of accuracy. They weren't able to translate only 2 out of 9 symbols because they did not have the expertise in ancient Japanese. However, experts in Japanese language were able to fully decode these symbols with high accuracy.
Finally, it is widely know that early Japanese language was influenced by Korean and Chinese languages. Majority of Japanese historians and experts recognize the ancient 12 -16th century blades were forged by Japanese swordsmiths who had roots from Korea, China and other Asian regions. Therefore their signatures had elements of foreign language that did not match the “typical” Japanese that was strongly enforced in mid 17th century. The signature on our Tachi proves that this sword was likely made in early 11th – 13th century.
Type: URA-MEI – signed on the ura (usually the date).
Meaning: Purity in the Temple of the Sun*
*A typical description of a season, in this case: fall or winter.
Notes:
Symbols are absent in the official Japanese language and can only be read in Ancient, prior to 14th century Chinese [in Japan sometimes called the old Kanji ] which was used in Japan, China and Korea prior to 14th century. Symbols are inscribed differently then the rest with clear tilt to the right.
_____________________________
FOLLOWING SEVEN SYMBOLS
Type: OKKAKE MEI - an applied signature by another as a mark of respect.
Meaning:
- 3rd symbol [?] is unidentified
- 4th symbols [文] means – statement
- 5th symbols [器] mean – vessel
- 6th symbol means [戈] - weapon
- 7th symbol [信] means – faith
- 8th symbols [ 正 ] mean – True
- 9th sumbol [則] mean – Law
Notes:
These symbols are inscribed differently then the first two, with minimal tilt. Inscribed in ancient Japanese since combinations of these symbols are not used in any other Asian language. Inscribed in abbreviated (stylized) form since some symbols are missing certain parts. This type of writing is called: Ryakudzi (略字) meaning “abbreviated signs” and is commonly used with versions of Kanji. Kanji is the oldest written alphabet in Japan. It is a collection of Chinese characters that are still in use in modern Japanese. There are tens of thousands of characters that are used in everyday communications.
We had a Japanese person from Japan, who knew nothing about this Tachi other than the signature on the NAKAGO, independently read this signature. They did not have much difficulty reading the signature with high degree of accuracy. They weren't able to translate only 2 out of 9 symbols because they did not have the expertise in ancient Japanese. However, experts in Japanese language were able to fully decode these symbols with high accuracy.
Finally, it is widely know that early Japanese language was influenced by Korean and Chinese languages. Majority of Japanese historians and experts recognize the ancient 12 -16th century blades were forged by Japanese swordsmiths who had roots from Korea, China and other Asian regions. Therefore their signatures had elements of foreign language that did not match the “typical” Japanese that was strongly enforced in mid 17th century. The signature on our Tachi proves that this sword was likely made in early 11th – 13th century.
6. What does the signature on the "TSUBA" guard mean?
The TSUBA of this Tachi was made in the 18th century.
The signature on this TSUBA means: Torii Kiyomitsu 鳥居 清満.
“Torii Kiyomitsu (鳥居 清満, 1735 - May 11, 1785) was a painter and printmaker of the Torii school of Japanese ukiyo-e art… Signature of Torii Kiyomitsu] reading “Torii Kiyomitsu ga” (鳥居清満画). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii_Kiyomitsu”
Why Torii Kiyomitsu’s name is on the TSUBA?
Hypothesis 1: Torii Kiyomitsu was the artist who drew the design of the TSUBA while the hallmark opposite to his make is the mark of the actual Maker. Because this sword was of great importance Torii Kiyomitsu, a famous Japanese artist, was most likely asked to draw the TSUBA design. Because Torii Kiyomitsu himself was famous he asked to have this signature be placed on the TSUBA as well. This is unusual but is the most feasible explanation.
Hypothesis 2: Torii Kiyomitsu, known for Samurai drawings, expanded his talents into the art of TSUBA making.
The signature on this TSUBA means: Torii Kiyomitsu 鳥居 清満.
“Torii Kiyomitsu (鳥居 清満, 1735 - May 11, 1785) was a painter and printmaker of the Torii school of Japanese ukiyo-e art… Signature of Torii Kiyomitsu] reading “Torii Kiyomitsu ga” (鳥居清満画). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii_Kiyomitsu”
Why Torii Kiyomitsu’s name is on the TSUBA?
Hypothesis 1: Torii Kiyomitsu was the artist who drew the design of the TSUBA while the hallmark opposite to his make is the mark of the actual Maker. Because this sword was of great importance Torii Kiyomitsu, a famous Japanese artist, was most likely asked to draw the TSUBA design. Because Torii Kiyomitsu himself was famous he asked to have this signature be placed on the TSUBA as well. This is unusual but is the most feasible explanation.
Hypothesis 2: Torii Kiyomitsu, known for Samurai drawings, expanded his talents into the art of TSUBA making.
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7. Is the tip "KISSAKI" of this Tachi correct and if so what type is it?
This Tachi has an IKUBI-KISSAKI type tip. It was a typical shape of KISSAKI in 13th century. After looking at multiple authentic Japanese swords from 12th to 17th century we found no major deviations in the KISSAKI on our Tachi sword.
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8. How were the "MEKUGI-ANA" holes on the tang made?
As part of the metal analysis of this Tachi, independent, government recognized, lab took a 400x photograph of the Mekugi-ana [holes] and undeniably confirmed that they were hand made.
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ZOOM 400X
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9. Should "HI" fuller be on 16th century Japanese sword?
Our research shows that the HI was in fact added later [exact date is unknown]. Because sword went through both, WWI and WWII, it is likely this modification happened at that time, however it does not indicate that the sword is of that period.
10. Why is the "HAMON" hardened edge not visible?
This Tachi was not polished over a long time, so the HAMON is not visible. That said the HAMON is there and will become visible once the sword is professionally polished.
11. Why did the appraised value of the sword increase from $80M to $105M?
All art, antiques and collectibles require a periodical reappraisal every three to six months. This is especially true for highly valuable items such as this Tachi Sword. Because the original appraisal of $80 Million US was done on 25.10.2012 a reappraisal became necessary. This second appraisal, valuing this sword at $105 Million US, was done on 06.03.2013. The price increase from $80M to $105M is due to substantial exposure of this sword in the international mass media. This exposure was not present upon the original appraisal and had to be reflected in the reappraisal. For further details please visit the Appraisal page.