zanilu

Sorry Dale! My mistake! Luca

Multiple layers tsuba as Akasaka tsuba,with two layers of better iron on the outside and and lower grade one in the middle were obtained by forging. Far better and easier way of obtaining a layered structure. What you suggest Dale is almost impossible. Molten iron flows like water and do not stick on other iron... What I see in the pictures you posted could be the effect of delamination of a forged and folded tsuba. No need to invent an involved process... Regards Luca

I had a couple of deals with Eric directly through Facebook and I can only speak well of him. The items were exactly as described, the communication excellent and to the point, shipping fast... No complains from my side. Luca

I think thst something in the line of what is done in scientific publications with papers reviewed by peers is the right approach Steve! And on this forum we have a lot of people that has the knowledge and the skills to be a rewier. I am, in a very small way, trying to do that on arguments and schools that spark my interest and are represented in my collection. Luca

Tahk you both, Moriyama san and John san! You are wonderful! I love this community. Regards Luca

Dear All I am seeking your help for the interpretation of the kanji in this "Hakogaki". It is attached inside the lid of this Onin tsuba: I have tried to decipher as much kanji as possible but I am a little bit out of my league with written Japanese. I can manage most of the printed one, mainly thanks to various tools, but here I struggle. This is what I got so far: 1: 鉄地丸形真[鍮]象嵌上手耳小柄櫃[孔] 2: 丸に三引両紋草花図鐔 3: 無銘 応仁 4: [室]町時[代]応仁[年][间] (一四[?][?]一四[?][?]) [頃][?][?] 5: [作][々][夕][ト][伝][ワ][ル][手]土手耳[?][グ][リ][シ][タ] 6: [地][鉄][?][象][?][?][目][?][込]真鍮象嵌[?] 7: [ヨ][ル][筒][?][?][文][様][就][中][?][穴][ヤ][切][羽][台][?][真]\ 8: [鍮]象嵌[?][囲][?][法][?][応][仁][鐔][特][色]也 9: [?][?]十九年十二月[嘉][辰] 10: 付コ[?]鐔.小柄櫃穴‥[日]取初‥[無][ク][後][せ][=][?][ケ][ラ][し][モ] 11: [?]デアル[?][?].穴コワリ[?]真鍮象嵌文様ガ切[?]クレ 12: テイルコト二休リ明白也 13: 保存刀装具鑑定書付 (六平月成二九十年日) I put uncertain charter between "[]", the completely unknown are replaced by "[?]". Any help is appreciated. I know I am asking a lot, if you can help me but think that the effort shall be rewarded please pm me. All the best Luca

Grev exactly for this reason my collection catalog will most probably will never be printed in physical form. Only pdf... Similarities with Soten were my first impression too. Looking into it tough Goto pieces with warriors look more alike. My reasoning is explained with examples in the pdf. I really hope you enjoy it. Regards Luca

Thank you Paul. Yes indeed it is part of the Appendices volume to my collection catalogs that by now amount to more than 900 pages, two volumes for the pieces plus one for appendices. Regards Luca

Thank you Brian! About a year ago, I decided to organize the information I had collected about Ayanokoji Nagamine, an obscure craftsman who remains somewhat enigmatic to me. What started as a simple task of adding a few pages to my collection catalog gradually evolved into a more significant effort of compiling all the referenced pieces and information I had gathered from various sources. This project was primarily a way to make sense of the material I had found through different resources, including online auction sites. As I worked on it, I began noticing patterns and similarities that sparked my curiosity and led me to pursue further research. Initially, I intended to keep the results to myself, thinking they might be flawed, and that it's better to stay silent than risk being wrong and looking foolish. However, I then thought about sharing this work in the tosogu section of the NMB to encourage discussion among members. Perhaps some of the more knowledgeable individuals in the community might provide valuable insights or additional information to expand or correct the work. Even if it turns out that my conclusions are inaccurate, I will have gained new knowledge, even at the risk of making mistakes publicly. I would deeply appreciate your feedback on this work. If you have any additional information, corrections, suggestions for improvement, or images of reference pieces not included in the PDF that you are willing to share, it would mean a lot to me. Thank you in advance for your time and contributions. Best regards, Luca

I would also add to the list the 5: Accumlated curd or dirt on the sukashi walls as a way of establishing a tsuba age. As for the rust another factor that have to be considered is that the composition of the iron used can vary between tsuba and tsuba, even among the same school, due to the iron processing method that were pre-industrial. Even today two batch of the same alloy are never exactly the same, the composition of an alloy is always given by ranges of components. @Curran it would be really interesting and instructive if you can elaborate with examples. A small essay would be wonderful, if you forgive my impudent request... Luca

If I have not already overspent on a Wahida tsuba I would jump on it even though I am not collecting Higo tosogu... Like you Curran I am wondering why it has not gone yet... Luca

Hera are some of mine Tosho, cherry and plum blossoms Umetada, plum blossoms. Katchushi , kukurizaru under the rain Nobuie, Tortoise shell pattern with sakura. Nobuie, gourds, arabesque, clumps of bamboo leaves, and tortoise shell pattern on themimi I hope you enjoy them. Regards Luca

Never use vinegar when patinated copper alloys and brass are involved you can destroy the patina for good! You very quite lucky that you recovered the patina at all. In most cases it is lost forever In general never apply chemicals at all. Regards Luca

Emil do not worry about not mentioning the dealer. I think most of was able to recognize the dealer by the style of the pictures alone... More so after you posting the "certificate". For the tsuba to me it seems to me a post Edo, maybe late Meiji to early Showa, not a fake per se. Regards Luca

Two birds (those with the circular heads) taking shelter from rain on a pine tree?