Higo-san

It does not look like there is something missing in his left hand, Uwe :D!

Thank you for the link and input, Henry and Uwe! Folk art is quite good guess IMHO, too. Here are a couple of pictures from the back and bottom.

Dear Malcolm, thank you for the information! This is much appreciated. Dear Geraint, that is a good idea. However, I was hoping for a bit input from board members. The reason being that at least in Germany experts working at museums usually have a very general education and are rarely specialised on Asian art or even a more specific subject (in particular when it comes to Japanese art). Thus, art collectors often know more about their specific subjects than the museums do. Best, Chris

Dear all, I do not know much about this guy - he is about 30cm tall and his eyes are made of glass. The arms are glued to the body as is the lower part of the body. I am happy for every piece of information! Chris

Tom, it does not make much sense to mention that there is an even bigger collection for sale and leave it there... Are these mere rumours or hard facts? Anyway, the Ott Collection looks like a great collection and will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see or even buy high-quality items. Thank you, Uwe, for pointing this out and not keeping it as a secret opportunity for yourself!!! Best, Chris

Thank you both Ian and Uwe for your time and careful assessment!

This may also explain the odd shape of the koshimaki!

Please find attached more pictures! Looks like this was a zunari kabuto which has been built up with lacquer in order to look like a suji bako....

Ian, thank you so much for your fast and very helpful reply. I will forward this information and keep the forum updated with any news concerning this item. Best, Chris

Dear all, a friend of mine has seen an interesting looking kabuto at a local dealer and was interested in getting some preliminary information on the shape and age of the helmet (modern repro or at least late Edo). He has asked for more pictures but unfortunately the business is on holiday this week. Can someone nevertheless provide a first assessment? Thanks, Chris

Again nice stuff :-)!

Please PM me if the Onin tsuba is taken off hold! PM sent for a couple of others. Best, Chris

No. 1 ON HOLD

Tsuba No. 1) FOR SALE AGAIN!!! Discount of $50 on Tsuba No. 2)!

Hi Chris, it is rather difficult to give an Auge for Nanban tsuba - from the workmanship I can see from the pictures (without taking any responsibility for the correctness of the given info), I would GUESS 18th century. Best, Chris

Maybe I can answer that - Thomas was using the word to indicate his affection to beautiful iron tsuba. The design of the tsuba is a mon (crest of a samurai clan) or at least meant to look like one. I hope this clarifies it. PS: there is still a beautiful Kamiyoshi tsuba for sale here !

You are welcome, Thomas:

After an inspiring discussion with another NMB member, I have decided to keep tsuba No 1)! I will perhaps continue this discussion later on in the discussion section! Tsuba No. 2) ist still available (be quick before I will start yet another discussion in that one...) Thank you for your understanding, Chris

170$!

Tsuba 2)

Tsuba 1):

Dear all, up for sale are two wonderful pieces of iron.... 1) Maru-gata ji sukashi tsuba (Hoan) The tsuchime and yakite on this piece, together with the high quality of the steel, make this tsuba an outstanding masterpiece. Design: Mon Age: middle Edo (the latest) School: possibly Hoan School Size: 8.3 cm x 8.2 cm x 0.4 cm Price: USD 890.00 (including PayPal) plus shipping 2) Maru-gata ji sukashi tsuba (Kamiyoshi) This piece has been severely damaged in the past but has also been nicely restored. The deep bluish color and the unique design clearly indicate a work by the Kamiyoshi School and point more specifically to it's third master, Rakuju. Despite the beauty of the ji sukashi, the coarseness of the tagane mei points to a work by a school artist rather than the grandmaster Rakuju himself. Design: Karakusa Age: late Edo period School: Kamiyoshi (possibly under Rakuju) Size: 8.0 cm x 7.8 cm x 0.3 cm Price: USD 580 (including PayPal) plus shipping Shipping costs are: Germany: USD 7.00 Europe: USD 12.00 Worldwide: USD 19.00 Best, Chris

Thank you both Grev and Mariusz!

I have another tosho tsuba from the Eckhard Kremers collection which comes with NBTHK Hozon papers; it is much more expensive however (USD 2,500.00) - I can send pictures if someone is interested. I do not want to post pictures on the internet however because this tsuba may go to Bonhams soon... Best, Chris

SOLD - thank you very much!