Japan2112

Would the moon be silver and the sun gold? That is how my Mito tsuba presents them.

Clouds surrounding a silver moon, Sun on ura.

Hi all, Here is one that I sold in Atlanta this March. Papered to Kyo Sukashi (Momoyama). So, that's my vote.

I like Piers' fishing net design. Hayashi design duplicated by Akasaka in the 6th generation. Not totally speaking wabi sabi to me though. The kaku gata shape is extra nice.

Great intellectual discussion and much said on the topic of Japanese aesthetics. Thank you guys. Here is one that I enjoy under spot lighting for its aesthetic quality. Owari-Kanayama (deeply dished with 8 mm mimi thickness). Best, Mark

Hey Mike, That is a good way to achieve an understanding of differences between schools. While not the same as "owning one", a couple of good books (like Tsuba Kanshoki, or the Sasano Silver Book) can provide great information and help distill future interest. Both books can be had for the cost of one nice tsuba. Iron and patina, of course, are best seen in hand.

I like your photos better than Andy's too. Lovely iron, and a good array to study several schools. Time (and $$) well spent.

RIP. Kunio san.

Those direct sun images are great. The tsuba looks entirely different

It is a shame that the US sword shows are cancelling in 2020 due to the corona virus - but probably very necessary. I was able to attend the Atlanta Show in March and, as usual, many tsuba to paw over, and that is really what it takes to absorb the nuances of a school - handle a lot of them. I have never been disappointed with a tsuba I'd bought in hand. Auctions, well another story. Regarding the quantity of Akasaka on the market, it may have something to do with current fashion. It seems that Akasaka have taken a "back seat" to Higo in the last few years. As for me, it will probably remain my favorite of Edo period iron.

Is the Myochin (utsushi) Hachiman (dove) available for purchase?

Here are two Akaska mokume tsuba. The first is a ji sukashi by the sandai, Tadatora - no acid enhancement, and yes that long, lower hiki bar is 0.91 mm wide with 3 layer construction. The second is hachidai Tadatoki - a very close match to that in Chic Sukashi Akasaka Tsuba by Sano Museum.

Wow! The Morse Museum is just 40 minutes from my place and I've been. It is now on my list of places to visit. To return the favor to those in New England or visiting Massachusetts - The George Walter Vincent Smith Museum in Springfield - a contemporary collector of Tiffany - swords, armor, tsuba fittings, polearms - a large room full. Displayed and left almost untouched since 1900. Here are some photos to whet your appetite. Enjoy.

I like the Rambutan leaves

Well, a lot's been said about your tsuba, and I do agree with all including that yours is a much better version of the motif than the other two - better carving and condition. Certainly Akasaka, and I would not submit to shinsa because that is what it the papers would say "Akasaka" and not "Ko Akasaka'. Curran's point to Tosogu classroom translation is a good one - 100 pages on the school. My guess from the pics is not 1st, 3rd or 4th generation. I say that by the iron, seppa dai, or yose tagane, but that is just my opinion. The fact that the seppa dai is a little pointed and that the connecting elements flair at the mimi may encourage one to a "Ko Akasaka" attribution to 2nd generation, in which case the $1200. is a good price, but I think the yose tagane points more to 5th or 6th. Tricky to determine which generation is which but that is what would command that higher price, and the NBTHK would not sort that out for you. I have attached an image of a 3rd generation that shows some of the kantei points what I am referring to.

Yes, Florian. Generalization, I think in this case, is not possible. Actually I decided upon my inquiry after sitting down with Sasano's book and coming away with that question. More study, I think. Best, Mark

I was under the opinion that early Kyo sukashi tended to have both hitsu maru shaped and that the kogai ana became suhama gata later. Can someone shed some light on this for me? I have two early (Eisho'ish) kyo sukashi and both have kogai suhama gata. Thank you.

The teeth and overall visage of that menpo is fatastic! I have an 8 plate suji hachi that was laquered to resemble 62 plates.

I like that tsuba, although not thinking it is "Christian". I particularly like the shape of the hitsu ana and the "country" look of the cross members not totally symmetrical. Maybe it's in the big bag of Shoami due to the hitsu ana, but my inclination is Owari and early Edo.

Well, that just goes to show that my head scratching about the fruit was due. I like the bunch of loquats idea, while still open to chestnuts. Thanks eveyone... and Pete, very nice Sojo kogai!

Oh, yes, Pete - it is a kogai. I'm glad you caught that.

Guido. That was helpful. Thanks.

The subject tsuba does not have Akasaka quality to me, even the Tosa Myochin were typically more highly skilled. Tagane sukashi sometimes seen in the rim by the Akasaka yondai is sometimes carved without the trace of tagane, so may be Akasaka school work. The "hidden chisel" by the Tosa Myochin is absent, and so probably not one of theirs.

Hi guys, I have this kozuka attributed to Goto Teijo with two monkeys carrying a branch of fruit. I have seen this motif before but so far am unable to distill its meaning. Any ideas? I know Teijo's father, Kenjo, also used monkeys in motif. Perhaps something particular to the Ribei line? Thanks. Mark

A wonderful story, Guido.