Alex A

I understand your opinion, Calabrese. Many people cant appreciate tsuba such as Tosho or Katchushi and many other tsuba from the Muromachi thrown in for good measure. Over the years it feels like the same bunch of collectors own these type of tsuba at various times and they all travel in the same circles between them, me included. Right or wrongly, that's another opinion ive formed. They have to be appreciated in a different way and not everyone is on board with the notion.

Will get to the point, Bushu tsuba. Over the years you can form opinions for one reason or another, i don't know why, it just happens. I seemed to have develop a dislike of Bushu tsuba, maybe its the Gold decoration you find on some of them, maybe its the style with the outer ring and carving within. I dont know, even got this idea whether right or not that generally, they are not that desireable. Some are mediocre with regards carving, some are finely carved and there is a lot in the middle. Anyways, recently i started to take a closer look, especially the carving and have to say it seems i have unfairly judged them as a whole. Bought a few over the last year at very reasonable prices, similar design but one is better carved than the other. Have to say, im by no means qualified to have an in-depth opinion on these tsuba, never had 100s in hand and have only ever seen them online. An example of a good one in case some folks are wondering what im going on about. Bushu Tsuba - Tosogu - Nihonto Message Board To me, they really do nature like no other tsuba and in future will try and keep an open mind before forming opinions. Be interesting to see what others think, regarding any tsuba. Though it seems everyone is content with their views.

Agree Dale, it seems collectors tend to avoid or look past them. Shame really, as sometimes it gives people the opportunity to pick up good quality at a lower price. Snapped a few up over the years that seemed to have sat around in the sales section, didn't pay much and wont expect much when i eventually sell. One in particular, small copper Kiku tsuba that would look wonderful mounted on a tanto. Beautiful old dark patina, really like it. I guess beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. Also, i guess ones perspective changes as time moves on.

My curiosity is due to observing tsuba for sale and what appears to be a lower than expected price?, maybe that's a particular school or tsuba of a certain era or whatever. You see some tsuba with very good carving and a price that doesn't seem to match, anyone else notice?. May be many other reasons why someone thinks a certain type of tsuba is underrated. Interested to see what others think before i mention my ideas. Might give me more perspective as not really a serious tsuba collector. Over a period of time, one can build an opinion, though that opinion may be limited.

If you think your tanto is worth it, then do it. Even though you likely wont recoup costs involved, ive enjoyed bringing a tanto koshirae back to life. Though would not use the set above, the kashira has certainly seen better days. You could keep costs down by using one made from horn, though that wouldnt match your fuchi with the decoration, in my humble opinion. If it were a more simple plain iron fitting, then yes. You would need new fittings and saya plus ito. You can search around to keep costs down, keep things simple, look for fittings something that fits right. Saya should be original to a blade. Luckily in the UK, we have good guys that do good work that have reasonable prices when it comes to jobs on koshirae. Always something on the back burner that needs sorting out. Though only if you think its worth it, if its sentimental to you then that's as good a reason as any.

I was looking to get a hold of Bill, must be several months ago. Stephen managed to get a hold of him, will pm the details i have. Was a pity at the time, he had a real nice Sukenaga wak on his site that i was after, but took so long i ended up with another. Anyways, see pm

Been asked about Nakago-ana dimensions, so will add here. 28mm x 7mm at widest point. Obviously, looking at the tsuba, it appears to have been mounted on more than one sword. Open to reasonable offers.

Aye, famous swords do tend to come with more traceable history and provenance. Looks a good read that, thanks.

Have to ask. Regarding gold inlay "nick names". Any way to authenticate?

That's a nice sword. Eisho dated Sukesada nakago always have that look about them, you could have guessed it without seeing the mei and just seeing the nakago. No one likes to see "probably" in a write-up, well i dont. "Sukesada" is top of the mei charts for scribble and its what most will have to accept as owners.

For a quick listing im going to do a direct link to the sales thread when i bought it. Thomas i don't think will mind, his pictures were very good. This one has been through the hands of a few Koto tsuba collectors, every Koto collection should have one! Lately, i have been interested in tsuba with tree designs such as Bushu etc, so i have a different focus on what i collect. Hence the sale. £249, that includes shipping. (From memory, under what i have in it) Original listing here.

Glad you are giving it the time it deserves Lewis and happy its gone to a good home. Cheers

Now sold, thanks

On hold, thanks

Had an enquiry asking for different pics to Aoi. Usually would go out in the back yard in the light but since moving im now overlooked so dont want look like a nutter in the back yard. Mostly taken under the lights of my 90s style kitchen, hope these suffice a bit better, not really good at sword photography.