roger dundas

Sometimes it was surprising Baba Yaga just what would intrigue or enthuse him, interest him. He ended up transforming into a teacher in way outback South Australia in the country about Alice Springs, teaching in remote communities. Those places were generally in harsh isolated areas, the homelands of a very primitive people but he loved it, even taking up with an aboriginal woman and fathering a daughter to add to his Danish wife and four European children. It didn't end well for him. The point I wanted to make was him showing me a coil of greenhide rope that some of his aboriginal friends had made, cutting it out very skillfully from a raw skin from a beast. It was very carefully and evenly cut, possibly 30 foot long. He loved the careful skill involved in it's making. He had a wonderful collection of wood, stone and woven aboriginal items that he told me somehow ended up in the U.K. Roger j

Can I add a little comment that I found amasing from many years ago. I had a friend, an American car designer from General Motors, Detroit who came to work here in GM, Melbourne in the 1960s. He was a collector particularly of "primitive Art' but as a trained artist gad a great appreciation of all hand crafted art. He compared hand crafted art objects as just such admirable items compared to those "pooped" out of a machine, cast or molded. Ever since I heard him say that, I have had an aversion to so called art objects "pooped" out of a machine or mold. But that's just me. Roger j

Looks good to me. I quite like these spoked Tsuba and have a couple myself. Yours appears to me to be Katana? sized, 8cm diameter or there abouts? It is the tedious chiseling and cutting of the spokes that interests me. Roger j

You asked for an opinion Luca- Just wonderful and great to see such clear shots. Roger j

Thank you very much Piers, Steve M, Carlos and Dale for your comments. All grist for the mill. Rectangular ana are an attraction to me for some reason- possibly because the reason and time of their use is to my mind somewhat obscure? Roger j

Am I right? A katana sized tsuba would be used by a Samurai whereas a smaller, wakizashi sized tsuba would or could be used by a merchant on his smaller wakizashi as he wasn't permitted to wield a katana? So Adam's tsuba above is for a Samurai rather than a merchant. Roger 2

I would very much appreciate any opinions or comments you might make regarding this tsuba. Firstly, the plate which I presume is 1700s-1800s is in good condition IMO and without any deep rust "pockmarks" to the surface. Secondly, the large rectangular kogai ana is interesting in that I thought more likely from an earlier period such as 1500-1600s ? The infill looks to be a 'cast' brass plate inlet into the kogai aperture. And thirdly, the Kanji and their reason for being there? Prayers, good luck sayings ? 80 x 75 x4mm. I would very much welcome your opinions.

Does the risk of fracture of a cast iron tsuba bring into question the understanding that the sole(?) reason for a tsuba was to prevent the sword wielder's hands from slipping up onto the blade's cutting edge ? It would appear that a tsuba served two purposes, the second being to shield the hands from a cutting blow from an opponent's blade although apparently very few tsuba show blade cuts. I enjoy it that there are still so many contentious issues in this field, many still being teased out and discussed by our deeply knowledgeable members. Thank you Ford et al. Roger j

And what about the use of "Renaissance Wax" to protect the existing patina ? I think that I am correct in saying that major museums AND Ford Hallam use this wax as a protective finish on tsuba and many other very important treasures. Roger j

For mine Glen, that crab tsuba is just the ultimate. So is the one in the Tokyo museum. Can you have two ultimates? Roger j

70 years old is one of the numerous "ideal ages' to begin collecting tsuba. It is never too late, there are plenty of angles and schools and history plus some outstanding skills to enjoy. And super knowledgeable people here to look to for help. Your time starts "Now". Roger j

Do both if you can. The more the better. Roger J

DFX- Darren, you should buy Kissakai, Grev's illustrated book on Tsuba from the Birmingham Museum as well as Spartancrest, Dale's productions on tsuba from various museums. Great value and great information. Get yourself 'hooked' like so many others here. Roger j

I also know little but will say that I would like to be in the financial position to buy this sword Derek. It has all of the attributes that mean something- a fine old koto blade in what looks to be in good condition, in WW11 military mounts, also good order. Have a look at the quality of the habaki which also will often indicate a worthwhile blade. Historic value on all fronts. Roger j

Glad to see that you both,Chris and John think this is a beautiful tsuba as I do but people's taste vary for various reasons and influences so it was reassuring. I'm not a buyer here but would have if it was in better condition or if I could have done the repatination that you achieved Chris. Roger j