Henry Wilson

I personally think that it is not cast. But it is hard to argue with your final comment if not held in hand. If in doubt walk away I say. There is plenty more tsuba in the sea.

Nice. Thank you Dave.

Yesterday was Saitama Day meaning that I had the day off. I decided to take advantage of the fact that everyone else in the Tokyo region would be at work so I headed to Shibuya and the "Origin of Shinto" exhibition at the Kokugakuin University museum. http://museum.kokugakuin.ac.jp/fr/special_exhibition/detail/2017_kodai_saishi.html On display as part of kofun grave goods was a large kofun period sword that had been polished. What was revealed was a very nice hamon that to my tired and weary old eyes looked not dissimilar to early Bizen or Sosho work. (Kochoji in midare, I think). I wonder, does anyone have any other examples of very early swords with hamons?

Looks like he belongs here!

I agree. The corrosion adds to the charm. I don't usually dig dragons but that one seems nice!!

I would say not cast (It looks hand made). However it might have been burnt. The surface looks discoloured and scaled as far as my weary old eyes can tell.

The tsuba has arrived. The good news is everyone is right! The top beast is a frolicking horse and the bottom is a sitting ox. The tail of the horse seems to circle both figures and there are two leaves on a rope. The metal is very nice; smooth and glossy. The eyes are inlaid with gold as are the leaves, and the modulation and craving of the animals is excellent. The ox is carved to be a bit more chubbier than the horse. All in all, a very pleasing tsuba! Pictures posted from my iPhone so I hope they are ok.

Good morning gentlemen The sales description described it as two ox. It is interesting how we interpret what we see as at the time it seemed reasonable that the two beasts were ox. The mane in question looked like the ribs that are seen on work of ox in other pieces. See here for examples http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/21344-bullbullsoxen-tsuba/?hl=oxen However as Curran (who seems to have a very niche taste in manga ????) noted they are quite skinny for ox. On the other hand, I see a horn, but it could be an Edo period mop-top... Also Franco points out a tail that might not be that of a horse. All in all, with out having it in hand yet it seems that they are indeed horses which makes me wonder why they also appear to be two ox? A play on a famous motif? An obscure reference to something more profound? A cheap knock off to fool the foolish? Old Wilson looking for something that isn't there? PS. I typed this before i read your post. Thank you Curran for looking up the signature

Neither have I. I will know better once it comes. Thanks for the input.

Thanks again Curran. There is a horn of sorts at around 8 o'clock. Yes, oxen are a rare design I have found. Which is why I am curious about them. Looking forward to seeing what the books reveal.

Thank you so much Curran for the detailed response. It is most interesting. Edo smiths are out of my general area of interest hence the slow start. So do you think it is not gimei? many thanks again BTW the the design is of two ox.

Thanks Curran. Information wise, the above is is all I have. I got this picture too. The mei looks very sloppy so makes me think it is gimei. I am wondering if the MitsuHiro in question was an outstanding and noticeable smith that would be forged.

Link fixed (I think). The perils of posting from an iPhone. See you at the Nezu!

I don't understand. Unless you are talking about your trouser fly????

http://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en/exhibition/next.html

Thank you again Peter. Still a big name I think!!

Indeed. Thank you Guido. You are my hero My weary old eyes are not what they used to be...

Thanks Peter He seems to be a big name!

Hi Does anyone have any info on an Edo period tsuba smith by the name of Mitsuhiro (光廣)? Many thanks in advance.

Nice shiny new website too...

I'm not sure I follow, but the above seems to be dishonest. Hope no one does such a thing to little ole me!????

I couldn't be Shoki could it? http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shoki.shtml

I would say it has an esoteric meaning, possibly related to Buddhism...

Here is something if you have not already seen it. http://home.earthlink.net/~jggilbert/heianjo.htm

My pleasure!!