Mark with Japanese Mark: 明義 "Akiyoshi" | #458033

明義 "Akiyoshi". This mark is from a menuki, which are small decorative pieces placed under the binding of a sword. They serve several purposes, such as improving grip or providing good luck. This menuki was made by Akiyoshi, who worked as a sword engraver (soukenkinkou) in Mutsu Province (present-day Fukushima Prefecture). Soukenkinkou is the Japanese name for metalworkers who design accessories for bladed weapons.