StanJS

Any thoughts as to what the material might be? In any case, I have it on my desk. It is my new favorite paperweight. Thanks for all your help. I do appreciate it. Cheers, Stan PS - My area of expertise is Japanese woodblock prints. Below, from our collection, are 2 pages of a triptych by Kunichika with a tsuba in it.

Without thinking, I used the same images I used on the Asian Art Forum, which requires images less than 500K. Below is an image from my cell phone (unprocessed). I hoped this subject was more in the wheelhouse of the members of this board than the Asian Art folks. It does appear to be cast. The material is nonmagnetic and not aluminum. My best guess is that it is made from shibuichi (an alloy of ~25% silver and copper - but I haven't had it tested). Any further thoughts?

I bought a tsuba on the spur of the moment because I liked it. Now, I am trying to find out what I have (maker, date, material). Is it an original? A copy? Any comments and thoughts are very much appreciated. Thank you for any help provided. Stan

Thanks for the quick response, guys. It was most helpful. It sounded like such a good story (exactly!): My folks collected swords. Now, they are in financial straits and want to sell at distressed prices. I collect Japanese woodblock prints and netsuke. I've paid my share of "tuition" for those hobbies. I apologize for taking a short cut and piggybacking off your knowledge, but I've learned not to jump in where I know nothing. It can be very expensive. I'll go back to collecting prints. Cheers, Stan

I'm interested in the attached swords but know nothing. From what you can seee in the seller's pictures, are these the real thing? Thanks, Stan

First, thank you all for your opinions. It looks like I will be using this as a learning experience - not a bidding experience. Responding to Ford... 1) So that is why I was able to find only 4 bronze tsuba when I searched past eBay sales. 2) It does exist. I have gone to auctions at this place before and made some very fortuitous woodblock purchases. You have to know what you are doing. The house make no claims of authenticity and sells on an "as is, as found" basis. I'll take a close look at it. I'll try to get some pics if I remember to take my camera and report back. 3) No bid. Pass. 4) Everything I know I told you above. That is all the information in the catalog. 5) Thanks for that. Looks like I better learn more about these things (or not buy them :? ). Thanks all, Stan

I just joined the board and know nothing about tsuba. My area of interest has been collecting Japanese woodblock prints. I am attracted to a tsuba coming up at a local auction and could use some help. Probably the standard novice questions: 1) Is this tsuba the real thing? The auction house claims it is bronze. 2) What should I look for when I preview it? 3) How much should I be willing to bid for it? 4) What can you tell me about it? 5) Anything else I forgot? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Stan