HannesT

This is an absolutely lovely piece. I had the chance to see it in person during our local meetings. It is wonderful and as always: images don’t do it justice!

Sales update:

1. Butterflies is sold

8. Hikiryo Mon is sold on ebay

Thank you very much!

Year-End-Weekend-Price for the remaining pieces.

3. Higo, Nishigaki, Sakura Blossom, Edo Period, NBTHK Hozon, 69 x 73 x 4-3 mm, EUR 1.050

6. Inshu No Ju Suruga, Ran Orcid, Edo Period, 75 x 78 x 3.6 mm, EUR 480

7. Higo, Jingo, Rain Dragon, Edo Period, NBTHK Hozon, EUR 890

8. Higo, Jingo, Futatsu Biki or Hikiryo Mon (Two Lines), Edo Period, 72 x 76 x 4.5-2 mm, EUR 320

Shipping within the EU included. Other countries please ask.

Thanks again to everyone writing questions via PM or commenting on my posts.

Quick update on availability.

1. Higo Butterflies is on hold

2. Higo Pine Tree is sold

8. Jingo Hikiryo Mon is available again

Thanks!

Two nice Tsuba. To me, the first one resembles the work of Heihachiro Nakane. Notably, there are remnants of silver inlay near the mimi, which is a characteristic feature. These silver inlays depict the design of thunder and are often seen on Nakane Tsuba. This would make a great addition for a higo koshirae.

Thanks for the comments, regarding the suruga orchid Ran Tsuba, this is very appreciated.

1. Butterflies is on hold.

Thanks!

Updated Prices!

1. Higo, Den Kamiyoshi, Kagecho Sukashi (Butterflies), Late Edo Period, 75 x 80 x 3 mm,  EUR 560

2. Higo, Den Kamiyoshi, Distand Pine-Tree, Late Edo Period, 80 x 80 x 4.5 mm, EUR 420

3. Higo, Nishigaki, Sakura Blossom, Edo Period, NBTHK Hozon, 69 x 73 x 4-3 mm, EUR 1.250

4. Sold

5. Sold

6. Inshu No Ju Suruga, Ornamental Plants, Edo Period, 75 x 78 x 3.6 mm, EUR 520

7. Higo, Jingo, Rain Dragon, Edo Period, NBTHK Hozon, EUR 980

8. Higo, Jingo, Futatsu Biki or Hikiryo Mon (Two Lines), Edo Period, 72 x 76 x 4.5-2 mm. not available/hold

9. Sold 

Shipping within the EU included. Other countries please ask.

Thanks, now it should be ok 

Hello everyone, I'm looking to part ways with some very nice pieces from my Tsuba collection. While some have already found new homes, I'd like to share a few more interesting pieces with you. So, treat yourselves, perhaps with an early season gift.

More images are available upon request. If you have any questions or would like to make offers, please feel free to PM me. A donation to the forum will be made upon sale.

Thank you for your interest.

Hannes

1. Higo, Den Kamiyoshi, Kagecho Sukashi (Butterflies), Late Edo Period, 75 x 80 x 3 mm, EUR 680 plus shipping

The Tsuba is a beautiful piece with a monumental expression in the tradition of Fukanobu Kamiyoshi (1786 – 1851). The design is an adaptation of the Ko Shoami Tsuba that was mounted on the famous Kazen Koshirae.

As is common with this design, the seppadai is enlarged and bigger than the tsuka diameter, showcasing the eyes of the butterflies when mounted. The placement of the Tagane is also true to form, although in my opinion, not as precisely positioned as I would expect from Fukanobu's work. Therefore, it is priced as student (Den) work. A similar Design can be found in Works of Hayashi & Kamiyoshi, Nr. 229 on page 315.

Polished iron, dark patina, and in great condition! The Tsuba comes with a box.

2. Higo, Den Kamiyoshi, Distand Pine-Tree, Late Edo Period, 80 x 80 x 4.5 mm, EUR 480 plus shipping

The design is an abstract interpretation of a distant Pine-Tree, where the rim is artistically included as a part of the design. It is a beautiful, organic, irregular shape. This design is also well known throughout the Hayashi Schools. A similar Design can be found in the Higo Kinko Taikan, Nr. 356 on page 357.

Very good, dense, polished iron, perfect black patina with a great wet look. Flawless condition! Tsuba without a box.

3. Higo, Nishigaki, Sakura Blossom, Edo Period, NBTHK Hozon, 69 x 73 x 4-3 mm, EUR 1.450 plus shipping

An exquisite Sukashi Tsuba - in my opinion a Nishigaki Kanshiro or Kampei Tsuba. This remarkable work showcases a truly elegant motif of falling Sakura blossom.

It is a very elegant and outstanding piece, that is hard to part with. Layer construction is visible in the sukashi. It has a nice black/brown/violet patina. The overall condition is great. The Tsuba comes with a quality box and NBTHK Hozon papers (Higo). A comparable work can be found in Works of Kanshiro Nishigaki, Nr. 133 on page 156.

6. Inshu No Ju Suruga, Ornamental Plants, Edo Period, 75 x 78 x 3.6 mm, EUR 580 plus shipping

It is a typical work of the Suruga School. From 1632 onwards, the Suruga masters signed as Inshu no ju Suruga as seen on this example. Also, the distinct sekigane are typical. It features ume-gane in gold, usually made with gilded copper; the deep engraving suggests the use of a heavy gold sheet or solid gold (but you will never know without removing them, which would be a shame).

The condition is great, it features a dark, black patina; the nunome zogan is fully intact and enriches the design as intended centuries ago. The Tsuba comes with a box. Very similar examples can be found in the Ashmolean Museum (http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/).

7. Higo, Jingo, Rain Dragon, Edo Period, NBTHK Hozon, EUR 1.100 plus shipping

This work is a representation of the later Jingo schools. It is adorned with a finely carved dragon in striking, fully intact silver and gold nunome. On the reverse side, the Buddhist motif vajra is featured, also highly detailed in silver inlay.

This piece showcases the artistry in its finely formed iron plate in the elegant mokko gata shape, displaying a chocolate brown patina with fully intact inlays. It is a wonderful work!

I bought this some years back from Fred Weissberg (https://nihonto.com/).

The Tsuba comes with a box and NBTHK Hozon papers (Kodai Higo).

8. Higo, Jingo, Futatsu Biki or Hikiryo Mon (Two Lines), Edo Period, 72 x 76 x 4.5-2 mm, EUR 340 plus shipping

Featuring a very elegant design of Futatsu Biki or Hikiryo Mon (Two Lines), a design native to many Higo schools. This particular example belongs to the late Jingo school.

The Tsuba shows an exquisite dark, black patina, with remnants of silver inlay still visible in some spots. Tsuba without a box. A comparable Tsuba can be found in Works of Hirata & Shimizu, Nr. 55 and 88 on page 202 and 233.

The item has been sold and safely arrived at its new home. A donation has been paid to the forum. Thank you very much 🙏.

Thank you very much for your high interest and comments. The koshirae is considered sold, with payment pending.

Hello, I'm currently downsizing my collection and would like to pass on some nice items.

The first item is a beautiful red Edo period Higo Koshirae. The Tsuka is wrapped in lacquered leather, following the Katate Maki style. The Tsukaito is antique, possibly the original one from the Edo times. The Fuchi/Kashira are made of iron. The Kashira displays the classic Higo design of a winding mountain path. The Fuchi is a masterpiece of Gold Zogan, an absolutely marvelous ornamental work! The Menukis are old Kinko pieces in Shakudo with gold accents, depicting lions or Shishi dogs and lanterns. The Tsuba features a famous design of an Ume or Sakura tree with an irregular mimi. The Seppa are made of copper with gold sheet wrapping. The Saya is red, with a matte lacquered finish and has likely been restored. The Kojiri is made of iron and features a siple but tasteful design. The Sageo is of black sude leather it is also lacquered in red urushi (intricate, masterful workmanship!). The Koshirae comes with a Tsunagi and a Koshirae Bag.

Price: € 1820 (A donation will be made to the forum upon sale)

Open for reasonable offers, additional info and images on request. Worldwide shipping to be estimated.

Thanks for visiting 

Hannes

This project is really wonderful. Great work all arround. How many eggs have you used for the Saya?

I'm already excited about your next projects

Tsuba NR. 3 is sold. Thanks!

Distant Pine Tsuba is sold on Ebay

The Tsuka's been sold. Last price reduction. Gentlemen please do not miss the beautiful tosogu at a fair price. 

The Tsuka is on hold. Thanks!

From today until Sunday I offer all articles reduced as Corpus Christi special!

1. Kozuka for 620 €

3. Mino Tsuba 380 €

4. Distant Pine Tsuba 250 €

5. Tsuka 180 €

I will also accep reasonable offers. Thanks!

And Umetada is sold, thank you!

Thanks guys this is much appreciated! Tsuba Nr. 2 Umetada is on hold.

Hello,

I want to make room for new things, so these Items are looking for a new home:

A Kozuka with Hozon papers, three Tsuba and a Tsuka.

1. Kozuka with NBTHK Hozon Papers, 820 Euro

Very finely crafted Kozuka. Main material is Shakudo, fine Nanako, silver and gold painting on waves, Samurai and boatman.

length 9.5 cm, width 1.5 cm, thickness 0.4 cm, weight 32 g

2. Tsuba signed Umetada, motif Ginko leaves, 160 Euro

Main material is Iron with copper inlays of dew drops

length 6.9 cm, width 6.2 cm, thickness 0.4 cm, weight 96 g, Nakago-Ana: length 2,7 cm width 0,9 cm

3. Tsuba probably Mino, motif autumn flowers, 420 Euro

Very fine Nanako and carvings of autumn flowers in Shakudo, fire-welded gold inlay and silver Fukurin.

length 6.6 cm, width 6.2 cm, thickness 0.4 cm, weight 85 g, Nakago-Ana: length 2,5 cm width 0,9 cm

4. Tsuba with famous Higo motif distant pine, 280 Euro

Main material is Iron. Very famous Higo Hayashi design of distant pine in open work, Sukashi. The Tsuba is in my opinion a vintage reproduction, since the steel does not match the quality of the Higo school. However, it was not cast and is overall a beautiful presentation piece for a low price, the box is included.

length 8.1 cm, width 8.0 cm, thickness 0.48 cm, weight 137 g, Nakago-Ana: length 2,9 cm width 0,95 cm

5. Tsuka for a Wakizashi, 250 Euro

Nice Tsuka with flowers and fence design in Shakudo and golden highlights. Menuki dragon motif in brass.

length 20.5 cm, width 3,8 cm, thickness 2.5 cm, weight 90 g

If you have any questions about the items, or would like to see additional pictures, please contact me.

Shipping: 5,99 Germany, 13,99 EU, 36.99 US, 45,99 Asia

Thank you!

Hannes

What a great tanto with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers. The second sword, which was recently for sale on Aoi. I always thought that it was almost impossible to buy a real Muramasa blade.

https://www.aoijapan.com/tanto-muramasa/

Well for the starting bid of 4,500,000 JPY

Thanks gentlemen, you probably saved me money here.

Hello everyone,

I would like to ask your opinion about a supposed antique Higo Tsuba (Mumei, late Edo) The motive is quite famous, but it differs from the well-known design "crescent moon“. The condition seems very good. Genuine?

This measures about 3 1/8" high, 2 7/8" wide and 1/8" deep, inside 1 1/8" high, 1/4" wide and 1/8" deep

Any additional information about the maker and year would be very helpful.

Thank you all very much for the helpful tips. This is much appreciated. And I will show updates in a year or so.