{"id":104790,"date":"2025-01-15T09:33:29","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T08:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=104790"},"modified":"2025-01-15T13:12:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T12:12:34","slug":"types-of-mei","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/types-of-mei\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Japanese Sword Tang (Mei) Signatures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#examining-the-mei-and-the-tang-in-sword-appraisal\">Examining the Mei and the Tang in Sword Appraisal<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-various-types-of-mei-on-sword-tangs\">Various Types of Mei<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#translating-and-assessing-the-authenticity-of-mei\">Translating and Assessing the Authenticity of Mei<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The signatures and inscriptions found on the tangs of Japanese swords, known as mei, are a hallmark of craftsmanship and tradition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically engraved using a chisel and hammer, these signatures often bear the swordsmith\u2019s name and may also include details like the town or province of origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mei styles can vary significantly between swordsmiths, appearing in either block-like printed forms or flowing cursive scripts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their placement also differs depending on the type of sword, with variations commonly seen between tachi and katana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what do these differences tell us? From identifying the swordsmith to uncovering the blade&#8217;s history, the types of mei and their characteristics hold the key to understanding the story behind each sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"examining-the-mei-and-the-tang-in-sword-appraisal\">Examining the <em>Mei<\/em> and the Tang in Sword Appraisal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-wakizashi-signed-by-Kanabo-Hyoe-no-jo-Masatsugu.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104803 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-wakizashi-signed-by-Kanabo-Hyoe-no-jo-Masatsugu.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-wakizashi-signed-by-Kanabo-Hyoe-no-jo-Masatsugu-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-wakizashi-signed-by-Kanabo-Hyoe-no-jo-Masatsugu-740x416.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/506;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A wakizashi blade signed by swordsmith Kanab\u014d Hy\u014de-no-j\u014d Masatsugu (\u91d1\u623f\u5175\u885b\u5c09\u653f\u6b21) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The tang of a Japanese sword (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/nakago\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/nakago\/\">nakago<\/a><\/em>) contains various information about the blade, particularly the <em>mei<\/em> (signature). However, only blades that fully meet the standards are signed. The <em>mei<\/em> can consist only of the swordsmith\u2019s name or may include additional details such as the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smith\u2019s title<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smith\u2019s location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Date the blade was made<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Name of the blade\u2019s owner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"454\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-signed-by-swordsmith-Heianjo-Yoshifusa.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104804 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-signed-by-swordsmith-Heianjo-Yoshifusa.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-signed-by-swordsmith-Heianjo-Yoshifusa-740x373.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/454;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto (dagger) blade signed by swordsmith Heianj\u014d Yoshifusa (\u5e73\u5b89\u57ce\u5409\u623f) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Inscribed using a chisel and a hammer, the signature hints at the characteristics of a swordsmith. This includes factors such as the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Type of chisel used (e.g., thick or fine chisel)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type of hammer employed (light or heavy) based on the strokes on the metal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional distinguishing features like the depth and number of chisel strokes per inch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Signature styles are unique and vary just as much as different handwritings. The inscribed characters may be cursive scripts or block-like printed styles. Unfortunately, forgeries are common. Therefore, a blade should never be judged solely based on its <em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/mei-signatures\/\">mei<\/a> <\/em>in Japanese sword appraisal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When examining a sword\u2019s tang, there are several factors to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Since the tang of a Japanese sword is never cleaned or polished, the rust that builds up on the tang over time becomes an important indicator of the sword\u2019s age.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The color of the rust, clarity of remaining <em>mei<\/em>, and <em>yasurime <\/em>(file marks) help to date the sword and determine its authenticity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, cleaning the tang of an old Japanese blade can diminish much of its value.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"summary-block\"><div class=\"summary-block__title\">Summary<\/div><div class=\"summary-block__content\">The tang of a Japanese sword holds the mei, revealing the swordsmith&#8217;s name and potentially other details. Only blades that meet the smith&#8217;s high standards are signed. Authenticating a sword involves examining the mei&#8217;s and various details on the tang.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-various-types-of-mei-on-sword-tangs\">The Various Types of Mei on Sword Tangs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>mei<\/em> (\u9298) is chiseled into the tang. Blades that still have their original <em>mei<\/em> are known as <em>zamei<\/em>. Those without signatures are called <em>mumei<\/em>, likely due to absence of signing or the <em>mei<\/em> being lost when the blade was shortened. Meanwhile, <em>gimei<\/em> are&nbsp; blades with a false signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the different types of <em>mei<\/em> found on Japanese swords and daggers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Tachi-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"454\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tachi-blade-signed-by-swordsmith-Norikuni.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104805 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tachi-blade-signed-by-swordsmith-Norikuni.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tachi-blade-signed-by-swordsmith-Norikuni-740x373.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/454;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tachi blade signed by swordsmith Norikuni &#8211; Credits: e-Musuem<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>tachi-mei<\/em> (\u592a\u5200\u9298) refers to a signature inscribed on the obverse of the tang (<em>haki-omote<\/em> side)\u2014the side that face outwards when the <em>tachi<\/em> is worn suspended from the belt with its cutting edge facing down. Swords from the early Muromachi period, except for <em>wakizashi<\/em> and <em>tanto<\/em>, often featured <em>tachi-mei<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">Swordsmiths of the Ko-Aoe and Yukihira school inscribed their mei on the inner side, facing the wearer when the sword was worn edge-down.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Katana-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"454\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Daisho-signed-by-different-swordsmiths.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104806 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Daisho-signed-by-different-swordsmiths.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Daisho-signed-by-different-swordsmiths-740x373.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/454;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The katana blade is signed Muneyoshi (\u5b97\u5409) and the wakizashi blade is signed Bish\u016b Osafune Sukesada (\u5099\u5dde\u9577\u8239\u7950\u5b9a), which can be translated as Sukesada from Osafune (village) in Bizen (province) &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A katana-<em>mei<\/em> (\u5200\u9298) is a signature of a sword carved on the <em>sashi-omote<\/em> side\u2014the side that face outwards when the sword was worn thrust through the belt with its cutting edge facing up. The katana, <em>wakizashi<\/em>, and <em>tanto<\/em> often had a katana-<em>mei<\/em>. Therefore, it is the opposite of a <em>tachi-mei<\/em>. Most swords produced after the Muromachi period often had a <em>katana-mei<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">Some swordsmiths, especially those of the Tadayoshi and Suishinshi school often signed their swords with tachi-mei. The renowned swordsmith Yamashiro no Kami Kunikiyo also signed many swords regardless of length, including wakizashi, with a tachi-mei. Therefore, the swordsmith\u2019s signature, including the name and title is inscribed on the left side, typically reserved for tachi worn edge down.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kunikiyo-Wakizashi-Tested-by-Yamano-Kaemon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104807 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kunikiyo-Wakizashi-Tested-by-Yamano-Kaemon.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kunikiyo-Wakizashi-Tested-by-Yamano-Kaemon-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A wakizashi made by swordsmith Kunikiyo with tachi-mei. On the left side with chrysanthemum: Yamashiro no Kami Fujiwara Kunikiyo (\u5c71\u57ce\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u570b\u6e05), translated as Lord of Yamashiro [Kyoto] province, Fujiwara Kunikiyo &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the right side with gold lacquer: Kanbun 6th year, 5th month, 4th day\u201d (\u5bdb\u6587\u516d\u5e74\u4e94\u6708\u56db\u66f0), translated as (May 4, 1666.). With name of a famous sword tester, Yamano Kaemon no J\u00f4 Nagahisa (\u5c71\u91ce\u52a0\u53f3\u885b\u9580\u5c09\u6c38\u4e45). With inscription: Futatsu do setsudan (\u8cb3\u30c3\u80f4\u622a\u65ad), translated as \u201cCut through two torsos with one stroke.\u201d]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <em>Omote-Mei<\/em> and <em>Ura-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Omote<\/em><\/strong><strong> (<\/strong><strong>\u8868<\/strong><strong>) <\/strong>is a generic term for <em>outside<\/em>, <em>exterior<\/em>, or <em>front side<\/em>. An <em>omote-mei<\/em> refers to the signature on the front side of the blade, typically featuring the swordsmith\u2019s signature. Blades forged after the Muromachi period usually included the swordsmith\u2019s title and address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sukesada-Uchigatana.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104808 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sukesada-Uchigatana.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sukesada-Uchigatana-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An uchigatana with an omote-mei on the front and ura-mei on the back. On omote-mei: Bish\u016b Osafune Sukesada (\u5099\u5dde\u9577\u8239\u7950\u5b9a). On ura-mei: Daiei 3rd year 8th month (\u5927\u6c38\u4e09\u5e74\u516b\u6708\u65e5) &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on how the sword is worn, it can be differentiated between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Haki-omote<\/em><\/strong><strong> <\/strong>&#8211; refers to the outside of the blade when the sword is worn <em>tachi<\/em>-style (suspended from the belt with its cutting edge down)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S<\/strong><strong><em>ashi-omote<\/em><\/strong><strong> <\/strong>&#8211; refers to the outside of the blade when the sword is worn katana-style (thrust through the belt with its cutting edge facing up)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-by-swordsmith-Masazane.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104809 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-by-swordsmith-Masazane.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-by-swordsmith-Masazane-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana made by swordsmith Masazane. On the front (omote-mei): Fujiwara Masazane Saku, translated as Masazane made this. On the back (ura-mei): Daiei Rokunen Hachigatsu J\u016bninichi, translates as August 12, 1526 &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Ura<\/em><\/strong><strong> (<\/strong><strong>\u88cf<\/strong><strong>)<\/strong> is a generic term for <em>inside<\/em> or <em>reverse side<\/em>. An <em>ura-mei<\/em> refers to the inscription on the back side of the blade, usually featuring the date of manufacture and the blade owner\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on how the sword is worn, it can be differentiated between<em>:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>Haki-ura<\/em><\/strong><strong> <\/strong>&#8211; refers to the inside of the blade when the sword is worn <em>tachi<\/em>-style (suspended from belt with cutting edge down)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Sashi-ura<\/em><\/strong> &#8211; refers to the inside of a blade when the sword is worn katana-style (thrust through the belt with cutting edge facing up)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-blade-with-omote-mei-Uda-Kunimitsu.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104810 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-blade-with-omote-mei-Uda-Kunimitsu.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-blade-with-omote-mei-Uda-Kunimitsu-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto blade with omote-mei Uda Kunimitsu (\u5b87\u591a\u570b\u5149) and ura-mei Genk\u014d san-nen j\u016bichi-gatsu hi (\u5143\u5f18\u4e09\u5e74\u5341\u4e00\u6708\u65e5), translated as Third year of Genk\u014d [1332], eleventh month, day &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <em>Niji-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-blade-with-niji-mei.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104813 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-blade-with-niji-mei.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-blade-with-niji-mei-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto blade with niji-mei \u5eb7\u8fd1 (Yasuchika) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Another-tanto-blade-inscribed-with-niji-mei.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104814 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Another-tanto-blade-inscribed-with-niji-mei.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Another-tanto-blade-inscribed-with-niji-mei-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Another tanto blade inscribed with niji-mei \u4fe1\u79c0 (Nobuhide) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>niji-mei<\/em> (\u4e8c\u5b57\u9298) or \u201c<em>two-character signature\u201d<\/em> is a short signature with two Chinese characters, mentioning just the name of the swordsmith. <em>Niji-mei<\/em> were often seen on Koto swords, especially during the Heian and Kamakura periods. It was<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/muramasa-masterpiece-tanto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> used by swordsmiths Muramasa<\/a>, Masamune, Masatsune, Nagamitsu, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">Some swordsmiths such as Rai Kunimitsu and Masamune-saku also used sanji-mei or three-character signatures. Other short signatures are referred to as yoji-mei (\u56db\u5b57\u9298), meaning four character signature, and goji-mei (\u4e94\u5b57\u9298), meaning five character signature.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-blade-with-inscribed-niji-mei-\u4fe1\u570b-Nabukuni-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104815 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-blade-with-inscribed-niji-mei-\u4fe1\u570b-Nabukuni-1.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-blade-with-inscribed-niji-mei-\u4fe1\u570b-Nabukuni-1-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto blade with inscribed niji-mei \u4fe1\u570b (Nabukuni) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-masterpiece-of-master-swordsmith-Muramasa.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104816 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-masterpiece-of-master-swordsmith-Muramasa.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tanto-masterpiece-of-master-swordsmith-Muramasa-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto masterpiece of master swordsmith Muramasa with niji-mei &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <em>Naga-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>naga-mei<\/em> (\u9577\u9298) means <em>long signature<\/em>. This type of <em>mei<\/em> usually consists of six or more characters, usually including the swordsmith\u2019s title, middle name, and address.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there is no rule specifying differentiation at six characters. Terms such as <em>rokuji-mei<\/em>, <em>shichiji-mei<\/em>, or <em>hachiji-mei<\/em> also refer to signatures with exactly six, seven, or eight characters, respectively. The <em>nagamei<\/em> became the standard after the Shinto era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-signed-Hizen-no-Kuni.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104817 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-signed-Hizen-no-Kuni.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-signed-Hizen-no-Kuni-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana blade signed Hizen no Kuni Iyonoj\u014d Minamoto no Munetsugu (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd\u4f0a\u4e88\u63be\u6e90\u5b97\u6b21), translated as Iyonoj\u014d Minamoto no Munetsugu, Hizen Province &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <em>Zuryo-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-with-zuryo-mei.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104818 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-with-zuryo-mei.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-with-zuryo-mei-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana with zuryo-mei: K\u014dzuke no kami Fujiwara Kanesada (\u4e0a\u91ce\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u517c\u5b9a), translated as Lord of K\u014dzuke (province), Fujiwara Kanesada &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-blade-by-famous-swordsmith-Kanewaka.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104819 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-blade-by-famous-swordsmith-Kanewaka.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-blade-by-famous-swordsmith-Kanewaka-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana blade by famous swordsmith Kanewaka, who signed his blade with the name Takahira. With zuryo-mei: Etch\u016b no Kami Fujiwara no Takahira (\u8d8a\u4e2d\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u9ad8\u5e73), translated as Fujiwara no Takahira, the Governor of Etch\u016b Province &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some <a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2013\/02\/19\/how-honorary-titles-were-conferred\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">swordsmiths received their titles<\/a> from the imperial court, such as <em>suke<\/em> (Third Lord or Second Assistant Lord), <em>daijo <\/em>(Second or Assistant Lord), <em>kami<\/em> (Lord). A <em>zuryo-mei<\/em> refers to a signature that includes such titles and frequently appears on Shinto and later swords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <em>Kaki-Kudashi-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>kaki-kudashi-mei<\/em> (\u66f8\u4e0b\u3057\u9298) refers to a signature in which the entire inscription is carved in one line on one side of the tang. It usually includes the swordsmith\u2019s name, place of residence, and date of manufacture. Sometimes, a small space between the smith\u2019s name and date is present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2014\/08\/25\/about-kakikudashi-mei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The <em>kaki-kudashi-mei<\/em><\/a> was first used by Yamashiro and Bizen swordsmiths. The Yamato smiths also signed their blades (usually <em>tanto<\/em> and <em>ken<\/em>) on just one side throughout the Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods. Additionally, the Aoe swordsmiths used this type of signature mainly in the Nanbokucho period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"160\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-kakikudashi-mei-of-swordsmith-Tegai-Kanetsugu-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104820 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 660px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 660\/160;width:840px;height:auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A kakikudashi-mei of swordsmith Tegai Kanetsugu, dating Genk\u00f4 three (\u5143\u5f18, 1333) &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <em>Tameshi-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>tameshi-mei<\/em> (\u8a66\u3057\u9298) is an inscription on the tang commemorating a cutting test (<em>tameshigiri)<\/em>. It often includes the name of the sword tester and notes the blade\u2019s sharpness demonstrated during <em>tameshigiri<\/em>. It sometimes includes the statement that a target or body was completely cut through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>tameshi-mei<\/em> is often chiseled (<em>kiritsuke-mei<\/em>) or<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2014\/05\/11\/on-a-probably-fake-kinzogan-tameshi-mei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> inlaid in gold (<em>kinzogan<\/em>)<\/a> on the opposite side of the swordsmith\u2019s signature. The practice of recording cutting test results on sword tangs was standardized during the Shoho (1644-1648) and Joo (1652-1655) eras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"161\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tameshi-mei-on-a-blade-with-the-name-of-the-sword-cutter-1024x161.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104821 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tameshi-mei-on-a-blade-with-the-name-of-the-sword-cutter-1024x161.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tameshi-mei-on-a-blade-with-the-name-of-the-sword-cutter-740x117.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/161;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tameshi-mei on a blade with the name of the sword cutter. The inscription: \u201cKanbun 6th year, 5th month, 4th day\u201d (\u5bdb\u6587\u516d\u5e74\u4e94\u6708\u56db\u66f0), translated as May 4, 1666. Yamano Kaemon no J\u00f4 Nagahisa (\u5c71\u91ce\u52a0\u53f3\u885b\u9580\u5c09\u6c38\u4e45). Futatsu do setsudan (\u8cb3\u30c3\u80f4\u622a\u65ad), translated as \u201cCut through two torsos with one stroke.\u201d &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. <em>Kiritsuke-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>kiritsuke-mei<\/em> (\u5207\u308a\u4ed8\u3051\u9298) means <em>added signature<\/em>. It is inscribed later on the tang, probably after the blade has left the swordsmith\u2019s forge. It also replaces the original signature when the tang is <em>greatly shortened<\/em> (<em>o-suriage<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>kiritsuke-mei<\/em> may include the blade\u2019s history, sword\u2019s owners, its nickname, and cutting test results. It can also contain information about the original signature if it had been greatly shortened and the name of the person who shortened the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"469\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-blade-with-kiritsuke-mei-1024x469.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104822 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-blade-with-kiritsuke-mei-1024x469.png 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-blade-with-kiritsuke-mei-740x339.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/469;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A wakizashi blade with kiritsuke-mei. With inscription: Shu And\u014d Denj\u016b \u2013 Kono saku Izumi no Kami, Umetada kore o ageru (\u4e3b\u5b89\u85e4\u4f1d\u5341\u30fb\u6b64\u4f5c\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u3000\u57cb\u5fe0\u4e0a\u4e4b), translated as \u201cOwner And\u014d Denj\u016b, work of Izumi no Kami, shortened by the Umetada.&#8221; &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10.&nbsp;<em>Damei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>damei<\/em> refers to a substitute signature when a swordsmith\u2019s <em>mei<\/em> is inscribed on the blade by one\u2019s son or student with permission. It is regarded as an equivalent of the real signature. For instance,<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2016\/03\/25\/kantei-4-yamashiro-20-rai-%e6%9d%a5-school-6\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> the Rai smiths<\/a> or Rai-ichimon lack signed works, but they served as assistants to their masters Kunitoshi and others. Thus, it is likely that several Kunimitsu and Kunitoshi blades are <em>damei<\/em> by these Rai smiths.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">Some students also produced blades in their guardian or teacher\u2019s style, with permission. This is a substitute production known as daisaku. However, such blades were typically signed by their guardian or teacher, rather than the student. These signatures are also considered authentic.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. <em>Shu-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>shu-mei<\/em> (\u6731\u9298) refers to the red lacquer inscription of an appraiser. It was primarily done by members of the Hon&#8217;ami family, the official sword appraisers of the shogunate. An appraiser may provide the name of an attributed swordsmith on an unaltered tang or shortened tang without signature. Other information may include the blade\u2019s nickname and cutting test result. Generally, a red lacquer was used to avoid carving directly onto the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"436\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tanto-blade-signed-with-niji-mei-\u4fe1\u56fd-Nobukuni-1024x436.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104823 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tanto-blade-signed-with-niji-mei-\u4fe1\u56fd-Nobukuni-1024x436.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tanto-blade-signed-with-niji-mei-\u4fe1\u56fd-Nobukuni-740x315.jpg 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tanto-blade-signed-with-niji-mei-\u4fe1\u56fd-Nobukuni.jpg 1916w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/436;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>(Above) A tanto blade signed with niji-mei \u4fe1\u56fd (Nobukuni). (Below) Features a shu-mei: Genroku j\u00fbyonen gokugetsu origami dai-kinsu roku-mei (\u5143\u7984\u5341\u56db\u5e74\u6975\u6708\u6298\u7d19\u4ee3\u91d1\u5b50\u516d\u679a), translated as \u201c(Hon\u2019ami) origami from the twelfth month of Genroku 14 (1701) evaluating the blade with six gold pieces.\u201d &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12.&nbsp;<em>Kinzogan-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>kinz\u014dgan-mei<\/em> (\u91d1\u8c61\u5d4c\u9298) refers to a gold inlay inscription, usually made by members of the Hon&#8217;ami family. Their <em>kinz\u014dgan-mei<\/em> usually featured the characters \u201cHon&#8217; a\u201d (\u672c\u963f) for \u201cHon&#8217;ami\u201d and the personal seal (<em>ka\u014d<\/em>) of the appraiser. It also often included the name of the attributed swordsmith, owner&#8217;s name,<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2014\/02\/18\/cutting-ability-nicknames-of-swords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> blade&#8217;s nickname<\/a>, and cutting test result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"598\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-kinzogan-mei-1024x598.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104824 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-kinzogan-mei-1024x598.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-kinzogan-mei-740x432.jpg 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-kinzogan-mei-rotated.jpg 1108w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/598;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana blade with kinz\u014dgan-mei. Translated as &#8216;January 9, 1991, year of the sheep, Hon\u2019ami Nissh\u016b \u2013 Worn by Imaizumi Tajima no Kami Shir\u014dzaemon no J\u014d Takamitsu during service for the Utsunomiya family in \u014csaka.&#8217; &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13.&nbsp;<em>Chumon-Mei<\/em> or <em>Tame-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both <em>chumon-mei<\/em> (\u6ce8\u6587\u9298) and <em>tame-mei<\/em> (\u70ba\u9298) refer to an inscription that bears the name of the person who ordered the sword. The terms <em>chumon<\/em> and <em>tame<\/em> are translated as <em>order<\/em> and <em>for<\/em>, respectively. The blade may also be described as <em>ch\u016bmon-uchi<\/em> (\u6ce8\u6587\u6253), meaning <em>custom made<\/em> or <em>special order sword<\/em>. However, the term <em>ch\u016bmon-uchi <\/em>was coined to differentiate custom-made Sue-koto blades from mass produced ones.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">A chumon-mei or tame-mei is not the same as shoji-mei (\u6240\u6301\u9298), which refers to the name of any owner (shoji) of a blade being carved on the tang. A chumon-mei or tame-mei specifically refers to the initial owner who placed an order for a sword to be made.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"580\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-blade-with-a-chumon-mei-1024x580.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104827 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-blade-with-a-chumon-mei-1024x580.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-blade-with-a-chumon-mei-740x419.jpg 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-blade-with-a-chumon-mei-rotated.jpg 1883w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/580;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A wakizashi blade with a chumon-mei. With the inscription (\u51fa\u7fbd\u5927\u63be\u85e4\u539f\u56fd\u8def\u30fb\u5143\u548c\u4e94\u5e74\u5341\u4e8c\u6708\u65e5\u3001\u4e3b\u5927\u6a4b\u677e\u7bc0\u5165\u91cd\u653f), translated as \u201cYamashiro Daij\u014d Fujiwara Kunimichi (swordsmith), on a day in the twelfth month of Genna five (1619), for \u014chashi Sh\u014dsetsuny\u016b Shigemasa (owner).\u201d &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14.&nbsp; <em>Kinmei<\/em> or <em>Taimei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both <em>kinmei<\/em> and <em>taimei <\/em>denote that a high-ranking individual such as an aristocrat, shogun, member of the Imperial family, or the emperor ordered the sword. These blades are known as <em>kinmei-uchi<\/em> (\u921e\u547d\u6253) or <em>taimei-uchi<\/em> (\u53f0\u547d\u6253).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\"><a class=\"notippy\" href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/11\/09\/shogunal-support-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Several <i> kinmei-uchi <\/i> or  <i> taimei-uchi <\/i> blades <\/a> were signed tachi-mei, out of respect for the high-ranking customer. Therefore, some katana and wakizashi ordered by high-ranking persons had their inscription on the inside of the blade (haki-ura) when the sword is sword tachi-style.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"519\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-tachi-mei-and-featuring-an-aoi-crest-1024x519.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104828 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-tachi-mei-and-featuring-an-aoi-crest-1024x519.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-tachi-mei-and-featuring-an-aoi-crest-740x375.jpg 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/katana-blade-with-tachi-mei-and-featuring-an-aoi-crest-rotated.jpg 1192w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/519;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana blade with tachi-mei and featuring an aoi crest. With kinmei Mondo no Sho Fujiwara Masahiro (\u4e3b\u6c34\u6b63\u85e4\u539f\u6b63\u6e05) and \u201cmade in the year of the dragon of the Kyoho era [1724] on orders of the shogun in Satsuma province\u201d (\u9065\u5949\u921e\u547d\u6275\u85a9\u5215\u4f5c\u4e4b\u30fb\u4eab\u4fdd\u7532\u8fb0\u5e74) &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15.&nbsp;<em>Orikaeshi-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"391\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-with-orikaeshi-mei.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104836 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-with-orikaeshi-mei.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/wakizashi-with-orikaeshi-mei-740x321.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/391;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Wakizashi with orikaeshi-mei &#8211; Credits: Aoi Japan<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When a blade is shortened, the <em>mei<\/em> can be lost, but it can also be preserved by various means. An <em>orikaeshi-mei <\/em>(\u6298\u308a\u8fd4\u3057\u9298) means <em>turned-back<\/em> or <em>folded-over signature<\/em>. The part of the tang originally bearing the signature is thinned and folded back onto the opposite side to shorten the tang. As a result, the <em>orikaeshi-mei <\/em>appears upside down on the opposite part of the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">Unfortunately, the practice of transferring the original signature to the shortened tang has been exploited for the production of counterfeit blades. In some cases, the forgery may involve obtaining a genuine mei from a different blade and attaching it to an inferior blade. Therefore, a careful examination of the nakago is recommended in a blade with an orikaeshi-mei.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">16.&nbsp;<em>Gaku-Mei<\/em> or <em>Tanzaku-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"144\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sword-with-gaku-mei.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104833 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 480px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 480\/144;width:840px;height:auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sword with gaku-mei &#8211; Credits: ncjsc.org<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gaku-mei<\/em> (\u984d\u9298) or <em>framed signature<\/em> is another method of retaining the original signature after shortening the blade. It is also known as <em>tanzaku-mei<\/em> (\u77ed\u518a\u9298) due to its resemblance of the small vertical poem cards (<em>tanzaku<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>gaku-mei<\/em> is often found on blades that have been greatly shortened (<em>o-suriage<\/em>), in which the rectangular part of metal containing the original signature is cut from the discarded tang and inlaid onto the newly reshaped tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">17.&nbsp;<em>Hari-Mei<\/em> or <em>Haritsuke-Mei<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"443\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Hari-Mei.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104846 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Hari-Mei.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Hari-Mei-740x364.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/443;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hari-mei in a sword &#8211; Credits: ksky.ne<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hari-mei (\u8cbc\u308a\u9298) or <em>haritsuke-mei<\/em> (\u8cbc\u4ed8\u3051\u9298) means <em>patched signature<\/em>. It is commonly found on greatly shortened blades (<em>\u014d-suriage<\/em>), where the part of metal bearing the original <em>mei<\/em> is cut out and attached to the newly formed end of the tang (<em>nakagojiri<\/em>) using small rivets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"translating-and-assessing-the-authenticity-of-mei\">Translating and Assessing the Authenticity of <em>Mei<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the <a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2013\/02\/17\/about-the-correct-translation-of-certain-sword-signatures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">specific translation of a <em>mei<\/em><\/a> and signature assessments, <a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2017\/05\/17\/important-update-to-services-offered\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mr. Markus Sesko<\/a> is an expert in Japanese arms and armor and a member of NBTHK (Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords). A <em>mei<\/em> can be assessed to help determine if it is authentic (<em>sh\u00f4shin<\/em>) or a forgery (<em>gimei<\/em>). However, Japanese blades are never appraised based solely on their signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-katana-signed-by-swordsmith-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104834 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-katana-signed-by-swordsmith-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-katana-signed-by-swordsmith-Musashi-Taro-Yasukuni-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>(Above) A katana signed by swordsmith Musashi Taro Yasukuni. (Below left) Mei (Musashi Taro Yasukuni shin j\u016bgomai k\u014dbuse saku) translated as &#8216;Made by Musashi Taro Yasukuni in real 15-layer kobuse.&#8217; (Below right) N.B.T.H.K. Hozon papers confirming the authenticity of the signature &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japan, recognized organizations like NBTHK and NTHK conduct <em>shinsa<\/em>, the formal appraisal and evaluation of swords. For instance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbthk.eu\/shinsafees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">swords assessed by the NBTHK<\/a> may be granted appraisal papers known as <em>kantei-sho<\/em>, documenting the judges\u2019 opinions on their quality and value. Some blades may not pass <em>shinsa<\/em> if they bear a false signature or if they are in poor condition, have poor polish, and such.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-sources article-slide \"><div class=\"faq-item accordion__item\"><h5 class=\"faq-item__heading accordion__handler\">Sources Cited<span class=\"faq-item__opener faq-item__opener--dark\"><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"faq-item__content accordion__slide content-area\"><ol>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blade inscribed by Masazane | Blade for a Sword (Katana) | Japanese<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/24978\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/24978<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Echizen Kanesada in striking koshirae<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/echizen-kanesada-striking-koshirae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/echizen-kanesada-striking-koshirae<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exquisite Sword Characteristics &#8211; Nihonto<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). NBTHK American Branch. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nbthk-ab2.org\/sword-characteristics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/nbthk-ab2.org\/sword-characteristics\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fine autumn themed daish\u014d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/fine-autumn-themed-daisho\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/fine-autumn-themed-daisho<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harada, K. (2009). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=FmLpLkEj1LgC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Art+of+the+Samurai:+Japanese+Arms+and+Armor,+1156-1868&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6vd32p_eKAxV1i68BHevKA20Q6AF6BAgKEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (M. Ogawa, Ed.). Metropolitan Museum of Art.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp, L., Kapp, H., &amp; Yoshihara, Y. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CGZPvLkmP3IC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Craft+of+the+Japanese+Sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzlcj8p_eKAxVFdvUHHaQ_Lt0Q6AF6BAgIEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Katana by Musashi Taro Yasukuni<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/katana-musashi-taro-yasukuni\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/katana-musashi-taro-yasukuni<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nagayama, K. (2017). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=zPyswmGDBFkC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Connoisseur%27s+Book+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig1teDqPeKAxVfa_UHHQNdLCYQ6AF6BAgGEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Connoisseur&#8217;s Book of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nihonto Kanji Pages &#8211; Commmon Nihonto Kanji<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). JSSUS. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.jssus.org\/nkp\/common_kanji.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">http:\/\/www.jssus.org\/nkp\/common_kanji.html<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sat\u014d, K. (1983). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u5200\u5263<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (J. Earle, Trans.). Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2013, February 19). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How honorary titles were conferred<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2013\/02\/19\/how-honorary-titles-were-conferred\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2013\/02\/19\/how-honorary-titles-were-conferred\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2014). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com.ph\/books?id=5w6QBwAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Encyclopedia+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi91ZSKqPeKAxUCZvUHHbrpG-8Q6AF6BAgGEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lulu.com.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2014, August 25). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About kakikudashi-mei<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2014\/08\/25\/about-kakikudashi-mei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2014\/08\/25\/about-kakikudashi-mei\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2016, March 25). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KANTEI 4 \u2013 YAMASHIRO #20 \u2013 Rai (\u6765) School 6<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2016\/03\/25\/kantei-4-yamashiro-20-rai-%e6%9d%a5-school-6\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2016\/03\/25\/kantei-4-yamashiro-20-rai-%e6%9d%a5-school-6\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2016, November 22). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another Signature Removal<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2016\/11\/22\/another-signature-removal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2016\/11\/22\/another-signature-removal\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2017, March 17). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KANTEI 4 \u2013 YAMASHIRO #27 \u2013 Nobukuni (\u4fe1\u56fd) School 2<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2017\/03\/17\/kantei-4-yamashiro-27-nobukuni-%e4%bf%a1%e5%9b%bd-school-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2017\/03\/17\/kantei-4-yamashiro-27-nobukuni-%e4%bf%a1%e5%9b%bd-school-2\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2019, May 31). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently added kinz\u014dgan-mei<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2019\/05\/31\/recently-added-kinzogan-mei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2019\/05\/31\/recently-added-kinzogan-mei\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2020, October 2). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ch\u016bmon-mei: An example with interesting historic context<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2020\/10\/02\/chumon-mei-an-example-with-interesting-historic-context\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2020\/10\/02\/chumon-mei-an-example-with-interesting-historic-context\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sukesada uchigatana made August 1523<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/sukesada-uchigatana-made-august-1523\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/sukesada-uchigatana-made-august-1523<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tsuchiko, T. (2002). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=BWy3gx-0PR8C&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%88%8021%E4%B8%96%E7%B4%80%E3%81%B8%E3%81%AE%E6%8C%91%E6%88%A6:+The+New+Generation+of+Japanese+Swordsmiths+%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E7%89%88+(K.+Mishina,+Trans.)&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwikxsyTqPeKAxX4hq8BHeMdISAQ6AF6BAgKEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u65e5\u672c\u520021\u4e16\u7d00\u3078\u306e\u6311\u6226: The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths \u82f1\u6587\u7248<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (K. Mishina, Trans.)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watson, H. A. (n.d.). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kunikiyo wakizashi, Yamano test cut<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved November 23, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/kunikiyo-wakizashi-yamano-tested\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/kunikiyo-wakizashi-yamano-tested<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoshihara, Y. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=URDQAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Art+of+the+Japanese+Sword.+The+Craft+of+Swordmaking+and+its+Appreciation&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjRtdCYqPeKAxXldfUHHc6YI8oQ6AF6BAgNEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Art of the Japanese Sword. The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The signatures and inscriptions found on the tangs of Japanese swords, known as mei, are a hallmark of craftsmanship and tradition.&nbsp; Typically engraved using a chisel and hammer, these signatures often bear the swordsmith\u2019s name and may also include details like the town or province of origin. Mei styles can vary significantly between swordsmiths, appearing&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":104840,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"hentry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104790","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104790"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104790\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104849,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104790\/revisions\/104849"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104790"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104790"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104790"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}