{"id":104841,"date":"2025-01-15T13:52:12","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T12:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=104841"},"modified":"2025-01-15T13:53:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T12:53:34","slug":"examining-the-condition-of-the-nakago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/examining-the-condition-of-the-nakago\/","title":{"rendered":"What the Nakago\u2019s (Tang) Condition Reveals About Japanese Swords?"},"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=\"#the-practice-of-blade-shortening-and-how-it-alters-the-tang\">Blade Shortening and How It Alters the Tang<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-various-conditions-of-a-nakago\">Various Conditions of a Nakago<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The condition of the <em>nakago<\/em>, the sword tang, is crucial in sword appraisal. Blade shortening was very common in Japanese swords due to the high cost of steel. Radical changes in fighting styles and the Tokugawa sword regulations led to the shortening of many fine old swords. To preserve the tempering of the blade\u2019s tip, the shortening was always done on the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"key-takeaways\"><div class=\"key-takeaways__title\"><span>KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/span><\/div><div class=\"key-takeaways__list\"><div class=\"key-takeaways__item\">The Japanese sword tang provides significant information about the blade\u2019s history and origin. When evaluating a Japanese sword, careful examination of the nakago is essential, whether it is unaltered or shortened.<\/div><div class=\"key-takeaways__item\">The ubu nakago, an original and unaltered tang, is highly coveted by sword collectors. Still, some swords with shortened tangs, especially those crafted by renowned swordsmiths, possess considerable value.<\/div><div class=\"key-takeaways__item\">In some instances, the signature (mei) bearing the swordsmith\u2019s name and other information may be preserved, but it should be treated with caution when examining a blade.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-practice-of-blade-shortening-and-how-it-alters-the-tang\">The Practice of Blade Shortening\u2014and How It Alters the Tang<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2018\/04\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Blade shortening on the tang<\/a> has been a practice as old as sword making, providing a more cost-effective means to repurpose a fully functional blade into a shorter sword compared to creating a new one from scratch. Old swords were often shortened to suit evolving fighting styles, transitioning from use on horseback to use by soldiers on foot. Additionally, the Tokugawa government implemented regulations on allowed sword lengths that people could legally wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tang, known as the <em>nakago<\/em>, is where the swordsmith signed his name. Blades that still bear their original signature (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/mei-signatures\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/mei-signatures\/\">mei<\/a><\/em>) are called <em>zamei<\/em>. However, when swords were shortened, the original tang and signature (<em>mei<\/em>) were often lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a Japanese blade has no signature, it is either because the blade was not originally signed by its swordsmith, or because the signature was lost during the shortening process. A blade without signature is called <em>mumei<\/em>. In some instances, the signatures (<em>mei<\/em>) are partially preserved by various means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a blade is shortened, a new peg hole (<em>mekugi-ana<\/em>) is made. Sometimes, the signature is damaged by the addition of this peg hole. Each time a blade is altered, the number of peg holes increases. Sometimes, unused holes are inlaid with copper, silver, or gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from the <em>mei<\/em>, the <em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/nakago\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/nakago\/\">nakago<\/a><\/em> features several details examined in sword appraisal. The shape of the tang, the butt end of the tang (<em>nakagojiri<\/em>), and <em>yasurime<\/em> (file marks) provide information about the blade, making them crucial in determining the sword\u2019s age and attribution.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"summary-block\"><div class=\"summary-block__title\">Summary<\/div><div class=\"summary-block__content\">Shortening sword blades, a common practice for adapting to new fighting styles or legal restrictions, often resulted in the loss of the swordsmith\u2019s signature, producing unsigned (mumei) swords. Changes are traceable through additional peg holes, sometimes inlaid with precious metals.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-various-conditions-of-a-nakago\">The Various Conditions of a <em>Nakago<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Japanese sword may have an unaltered tang or a shortened <em>nakago<\/em>. The signature (<em>mei<\/em>) on the tang is one of its most important features and is often preserved when a sword is shortened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the various conditions of a Japanese sword tang:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Ubu Nakago<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kunikiyo-wakizashi-with-ubu-nakago-1024x532.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104860 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kunikiyo-wakizashi-with-ubu-nakago-1024x532.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kunikiyo-wakizashi-with-ubu-nakago-740x385.jpg 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\/532;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kunikiyo wakizashi with ubu nakago &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An <em>ubu nakago<\/em> refers to an original, unshortened, or unaltered tang. It is still shaped the way it was created by the swordsmith. It also implies that the tang\u2019s butt end (<em>nakagojiri<\/em>) and notches (e.g. <em>hamachi<\/em> and <em>munemachi<\/em>) are in their original location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, a Japanese sword can still be called <em>ubu<\/em> even if the tang\u2019s curvature has been slightly reshaped, altered, or extra peg holes (<em>mekugi-ana<\/em>) added because of remounting as long as the blade\u2019s length and shape are only slightly changed.<\/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\">For sword collectors, a Japanese sword with an ubu or unaltered tang is the most desired condition, but sometimes, it is not possible for older blades. In fact, there are several great swordsmiths, <a href=\"https:\/\/collections.vam.ac.uk\/item\/O92843\/sword-and-scabbard-masamune\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> such as Masamune <\/a>, of whom not a single sword survived without being shortened.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Suriage Nakago<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"270\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shimazu-mon-daisho-koshirae-and-blade.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104855 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shimazu-mon-daisho-koshirae-and-blade.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shimazu-mon-daisho-koshirae-and-blade-740x222.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\/270;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Shimazu mon daisho koshirae and blade with suriage nakago &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>suriage nakago<\/em> is a <em>shortened<\/em> tang. If there\u2019s a signature (<em>mei<\/em>), it may be partly preserved. During the shortening of the tang, the notches (e.g. <em>hamachi<\/em> and <em>munemachi<\/em>) are adjusted higher up the blade. During the Muromachi period, the <em>uchigatana<\/em>-type sword or katana was preferred for its quicker combat response. Therefore, many <em>tachi<\/em> were converted into katana by shortening the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"242\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Long-sword-signed-Yoshifusa.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104854 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Long-sword-signed-Yoshifusa.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Long-sword-signed-Yoshifusa-740x199.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\/242;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Long sword signed Yoshifusa &#8211; Credits: e-Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite having a <em>suriage nakago<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/emuseum.nich.go.jp\/detail?langId=en&amp;webView=null&amp;content_base_id=100179&amp;content_part_id=001&amp;content_pict_id=001&amp;x=-157&amp;y=-177&amp;s=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">, a fine <em>tachi<\/em> nicknamed <em>Okada-giri<\/em><\/a> (which translates as <em>Okada Slayer<\/em>), made by Bizen swordsmith Ichimonji Yosifusa, is designated as a National Treasure. At the Battle of Komaki Nagakute in 1584, samurai Oda Nobukatsu used it to kill his retainer Okada Sukesaburo Shigotaka, hence its name. The sword features a pronounced curvature and wide blade, and is regarded as a testament to the artistry of all of Yoshifusa\u2019s works.<\/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\">The signature (mei) on the tang, if present, varied between tachi and katana.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Tachi-Mei<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tachi<\/em>, worn with the cutting edge faced down, have their mei located on the side of the <em>nakago<\/em> that faces outward when the sword is worn. Most swords (excluding <em>wakizashi<\/em> and <em>tanto<\/em>) produced during the Muromachi period feature <em>tachi-mei<\/em>. Exceptions include swords made by swordsmith Yukihira and those of the Ko-Aoe school, as they signed their <em>mei<\/em> on the inner side facing the body when the <em>tachi<\/em> was worn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Katana-Mei<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The katana, along with <em>wakizashi<\/em> and <em>tanto<\/em>, were worn with the cutting edge faced upwards. Therefore, the <em>katana-mei<\/em> is located on the side of the tang that faces outward when the blade is worn. Swords produced after the Muromachi period often have <em>katana-mei<\/em>. However, exceptions include swords made by swordsmith Yamashiro no Kami Kunikiyo and those of the Tadayoshi and Suishinshi school as they inscribed their works with <em>tachi-mei<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"summary-block\"><div class=\"summary-block__title\">Summary<\/div><div class=\"summary-block__content\">The transition from tachi to katana during the Muromachi period often involved shortening the blade&#8217;s tang (suriage nakago), sometimes preserving part of the smith&#8217;s signature (mei). Notable is the National Treasure Okada-giri, a curved tachi by Ichimonji Yosifusa, named after a historical event. Signatures on tachi and katana differ in placement due to how they&#8217;re worn.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <em>O-Suriage Nakago<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"102\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ko-Hoki-Sadatsuna-katana-1024x102.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104859 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ko-Hoki-Sadatsuna-katana-1024x102.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ko-Hoki-Sadatsuna-katana-740x74.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\/102;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ko-H\u014dki Sadatsuna katana with o-suriage nakago &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An <em>o-suriage nakago<\/em> refers to a <em>greatly shortened<\/em> tang. If the entire <em>nakago<\/em> is lost during the shortening process, it is called an <em>o-suriage-nakago<\/em>. It is formed from what was originally part of the blade. Sometimes,<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/25\/kantei-1-sugata-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> a groove known as <em>hi<\/em><\/a> may extend into the <em>nakago<\/em> due to shortening, though it can also be intentionally created by the swordsmith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there was a signature (<em>mei<\/em>), it is usually completely lost. Many fine Japanese swords from the Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods are unsigned as their signatures were lost due to the shortening process. In some cases, the signature can be preserved by bending the metal bearing the <em>mei<\/em> into the newly-shortened <em>nakago<\/em> (<em>orikaeshi-mei<\/em>) or by resetting it in a new tang (<em>gaku-mei<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <em>Machi-Okuri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"433\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-by-Kaga-Hirotaka.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104857 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-by-Kaga-Hirotaka.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Katana-by-Kaga-Hirotaka-740x356.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\/433;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Katana by Kaga Hirotaka &#8211; Credits: Nihonto.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>machi-okuri<\/em> describes an original tang, but its notches or <em>machi<\/em>, such as <em>hamachi<\/em> and <em>munemachi<\/em>, are moved upwards. It is done to slightly shorten the blade from the tip (kissaki) to the notches (machi) while extending the tang (nakago); therefore, the overall blade length does not change because the tang is not cut down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <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>The signature (<em>mei<\/em>) on a Japanese blade is one of its most important features and is often preserved when the blade is shortened. <em>Orikaeshi-mei<\/em> literally means <em>folded-over signature<\/em> or <em>turned-back signature<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a tang is shortened, the portion bearing the signature is thinned down and bent around to the opposite side of the newly shortened tang. This allows the original signature to be preserved, but then appears upside-down on the opposite part of the <em>nakago<\/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\">While an orikaeshi-mei is generally acceptable, it has unfortunately been unscrupulously faked by taking a genuine signature from another sword. A false orikaeshi-mei can be distinguished from an authentic one, as the inlaid panel and the tang itself are not formed from a continuous piece of metal. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the butt end of the tang (nakagojiri).<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It is recommended to have an<a href=\"http:\/\/www.oshigata.nl\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> accurate drawing of the blade<\/a> (<em>oshigata<\/em>) or rubbing of a signature when assessing its authenticity as discrepancies are more noticeable in an <em>oshigata<\/em> than on the actual blade. Generally, a long piece of rubbing paper should be folded at the tang\u2019s butt end to cover both sides of the <em>nakago<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, take a rubbing on both sides of the tang\u2014both the unsigned and the part with the signature. Finally, flatten out the paper and view both sides as a whole. This approach makes it easier to determine whether the tang is bent or if the <em>mei<\/em> is in an impossible position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>6. Gaku-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> literally means <em>framed signature<\/em>. When a blade is greatly shortened (<em>o-suriage nakago<\/em>), the metal portion bearing the signature is cut out in a rectangular shape, thinned, and then re-attached to the new, altered tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gaku-mei<\/em> is another way of preserving the original signature on the tang even after shortening the blade. Another name for this kind of signature or process is <em>tanzaku-mei<\/em> because the cutout signature resembles <em>tanzaku<\/em>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/44600\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">small vertical poem cards<\/a>.<\/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\">Assessing the authenticity of an added signature, especially the gaku-mei, is more challenging than evaluating an ordinary false signature. In some instances, discrepancies may arise where the blade and the swordsmith indicated on the gaku-mei do not correspond, or the blade is of good quality while the signature raises doubts about its authenticity. With gaku-mei, it is relatively easy for a signature to be taken from a different blade and inlaid into the new tang.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>7. Hari-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><em>Hari-mei<\/em> literally means <em>patched signature<\/em>. It is also known as <em>haritsuke-mei<\/em>. When a blade is greatly shortened (<em>o-suriage nakago<\/em>), the metal portion containing the signature is cut out and re-attached to the new, re-shaped tang via small rivets. It is an effective way of preserving the original signature, as <em>gaku-mei<\/em> can fall out over time.<\/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\">Sometimes, a hari-mei is attached to an unsigned sword, creating the appearance that the blade was slightly shortened and the signature was preserved. This can be detected by examining the back of the tang, where the junction will be visible. Hari-mei are positioned further down the tang and lie flush with the surface to conceal the junction. In some cases, hari-mei taken from other blades correspond to the blade style they are attached to, creating an attempt to pass off the result as a signed blade.<\/div><\/div>\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><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=2ahUKEwiD1s764feKAxXLjK8BHYbiEe0Q6AF6BAgGEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Connoisseur&#8217;s Book of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nakago (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u830e<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u4e2d\u5fc3<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). (2023, July 11). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved November 19, 2023, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/nakago\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/nakago<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sat\u014d, K. (1983). <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u5200\u5263<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (J. Earle, Trans.). Kodansha International.<\/span><\/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=2ahUKEwjBsJ6C4veKAxXFdvUHHVGPEf8Q6AF6BAgIEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lulu.com.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2018, April 25). Tensh\u014d-suriage and Keich\u014d-suriage. Markus Sesko. Retrieved November 19, 2023, from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2018\/04\/25\/tensho-suriage-and-keicho-suriage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2018\/04\/25\/tensho-suriage-and-keicho-suriage\/<\/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=2ahUKEwj7-NmI4veKAxXTc_UHHVr0H2IQ6AF6BAgFEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u65e5\u672c\u5200<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u4e16\u7d00\u3078\u306e\u6311\u6226<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u82f1\u6587\u7248<\/span><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;\">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=2ahUKEwja-OuN4veKAxXwlK8BHamhENYQ6AF6BAgMEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Art of the Japanese Sword: The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The condition of the nakago, the sword tang, is crucial in sword appraisal. Blade shortening was very common in Japanese swords due to the high cost of steel. Radical changes in fighting styles and the Tokugawa sword regulations led to the shortening of many fine old swords. To preserve the tempering of the blade\u2019s tip,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":104858,"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\/104841","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=104841"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104863,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104841\/revisions\/104863"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}