Eunjangdo

[JoeCanada42]

well said,
I like something with a mystery that I get to research and learn from, and above all I like something that I think is such a good price, that's what gets into my collection.
yes I do more likely think it is more modern, but how much modern if so does interest me, 90's, 70' 50' 1910??
I think that based on the niello and the blade markings I may be able to find out who made it or where, that would definitely be cool.
I don't want to rule out the 1% chance it is a well preserved older piece
I have higher hopes more for a quality piece at this point then an antique. built for the original purpose,(even if it didn't end up with the original intended owner). if made by a qualified native smith for the sake of keeping up a dying tradition, made the old way,, then its still a real weapon to me. if made identical or even by the same guild or master would be possibly preferable than the same producers older used one .
this feels similar to the story with the kaskara I bought, still very happy with it because its true, even if not antique., yet..
if someone could help with translation if even possible that is, then this would be a great start.

[JoeCanada42]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqJ2iwnm-U8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_Ry_uRIn7o

just found that second link verrrryy inetersing some1 help please?

[JoeCanada42]

translated the description, think it mentions the master died in 2004

[ariel]

Originally Posted by JoeCanada42

translated the description, think it mentions the master died in 2004

I think it ends the uncertainty: circa 1970-90 at the earliest. If the seller knew when the original owner lived in Japan, it would be helpful.

BTW, niello cannot serve as a dating instrument, just as the presence of brass cannot serve for the same purpose on Afghani weapons. Niello was used in Europe for centuries, and contemporary Caucasian jewellers are using it till now for the mass-produces silver elements of kindjal handles and scabbards. You can find tons of them on e-bay.
Moreover, it is not niello as your references show application of blackening to the silver elements in Korea. They put the “ substance” on some kind of adhesive tape and attach it to the object. Upon tape removal the parts of silver in contact with the substance become black. Real niello is a mix of sulphur, lead, silver and copper. The paste is applied and then fired. Modern chemistry simplified the process.

A very pretty knife you got. Enjoy it!