Michel D

Hello everyone, First of all, very nice tsuba, with a beautiful sansui landscape. I had the opportunity, one year ago, to have in hand a Jakushi nidai tsuba. As far as I can remember and what I read, "nidai's works are rather thick with several tones of gold.A dragon on the ura side is not uncommon".(this was the case)At the least, the thin thickness and the absence of the classical gold nunome lead me to think that this is not the nidai's work. When it comes to assess who did it... Say... it differs from the typical Jakushi work we are used to come across. Hope some others will bring more!

Hi all Thank you all for your answers. Once again, nothing is easy in Japanese Art and the rules are made up of exeptions...I leave the question opened!

Hello everybody! Tsuba with mei on the ura side are not rare (common on Kinai pieces). Does anyone know the reason why? Thank you very much in advance for your anwers.

Hi Curran Thank you for your answer. So, I have my work cut out for me! I found these catalogues valuable given the consistency of description by the same person. I am not attached to "very valuable piece", "very rare" and other selling points..Totally agree with you! But for instance "typical hitsuana from Umetada shool" or "usual mimi for this school" etc...with relevant photos are -at the least for my limited knowledge -very informative if not educational.Of course, I have other books and am looking forward the release of "Tsuba, An Aesthetic Study" reprinted by NCJSC. Regards

Hi Bungo Je ne comprend pas votre question sounds like "I do not undersand your question" :D BTW girlie pictures are classified "French eyes only" Otherwise, don't worry, there is always a mean to meet halfway; some have already experienced and are still live (so far!)

Hello I recently got the full set of Haynes auction catalogues. In my opinion, it is a huge amount of reliable information. However, how to go directly and fast to something you are looking for? Actually, I was wondering if a courageous person had already made any listing or data base ( as one can find for the NBTHK issues or the big book on the Boston MFA ) to look up a piece. My priority being tsuba, I won't shrug off any "tsuba only" section! :D...Unless you wait for my burden!!!

Hello For those who have registered but do not know how to introduce themselves ( mandatory within 72 hrs following the registration): How to introduce yourself On the home page, just above the introduction text written in red Kon nichiwa mina san ", click on PRESENTATION; you will see the members' list. Then click on the button NOUVEAU (new message) at the top or at the bottom of the page: you have access to a new box where you are can write some words ( your visa card code and your bank account number is NOT necessary :D ) Once done, click on PREVISUALISATION( preview) to check it and finally ENVOYER ( send ). It runs as most of the forum sites. Looking forward reading your introduction. You also can reach me through PM. Welcome again

Hello Thanks Myochin for the information. I love Tanaka and this design reminds me a Nara tsba I own. Typically, the ones with this shape and size are iron: I will not bet for it , too complicated from France. Regards Michel

Hello Has any one got information on lot # 365, a tsuba with anchor design which looks to be a Tanaka school one? I have tried through the lot finder, but so far to no avail. Thank you

Hello The character is a Gama Senin, ie a wise man retired in the mountains and speaking to a (or his) toad. Actually, it is a toad and not a frog ( nor a french! :D ) The menuki are likely toads too. As regards the tsuba...may be in the Mito style but no more. Regards

Hello Funny time! I recently wrote on another site (no advertising!) a very similar post and warned people about modern Japanese copies of tsuba once I have had a look at the following link: http://home.a01.itscom.net/ryuken/main.html While the honesty of the business/factory is not questionable, some of these modern tsuba are dreadful: hammering, sekigane, tagane, (patina much less) rather well done. This is all the more true that these tsuba are sometimes mixed among low/middle level but genuine tsuba, on auction sites, including Japan based sites. So…I was wondering how to advise people and more specifically beginners (but not only beginners!). There may be good bargains on auction sites but a quality tsuba has a price, as well has a certificate...But this is another story!

Hello A short introduction in English will be soon added.

Hello everyone :D Welcome on our forum! I am Michel D on NMB, Michel on our forum which appointed me as Tosogu moderator (Sorry time!). I do appreciate NMB and have learnt a lot, more specifically on tsuba which are my area of interest. I should post soon on tsuba identification (appreciate Nobody"s expertise on kanjis and others on appreciation of different schools including damned Shoami) Our forum was created earlier June and...is in French.Do not hesitate to join us: the goal is not to vie with anyone but only exchange and learn from eachother. Should you have any question or difficulty of understanding to join, please feel free to contact me by pm. Regards Michel D France