Toryu2020

One minor function of a tsuba on a sword is when you are sitting in seiza with your sword on the floor at your side, the tsuba acts as a prop and it is very easy to pick up the sword and bring it into use. Without a tsuba the sword lays flat on the floor and requires a little more attention to scoop it up and draw it... -t

Rain Dragons! Perfect!

" Thank you for your email. What makes a Koshirae Tensho in style is its handle. The handle is winding in the middle to ensure a secure grip during the war fight. It is more opactical than the straight handle. Kind regards, Aoi Art" I think they are saying it is the waisted shape of the Tsuka but I don't see it. I might be inlined to call this a Kobusho koshirae rather than Tensho... -t t is for Tom

Email sent so we will see what they say. They are usually quite happy to answer any questions. -t

Why doesnt somebody ask Tsuruta san?

You guys will love this - from the pages of Tsuba: An Aesthetic Study - page 110 in the new edition available from the NCJSC On the subject of the "Style of the Second (Akasaka) Tadamasa And later generations" "The quality of the iron plate is not as good in the second generation. However, when Kawagane 皮鉄(skin iron) was applied to the surface the plate has a very pleasing appearance. There is a tendency for the folds of the plate to show the laminations quite clearly at the mimi." No where else does he mention Kawagane - has anyone else encountered this term in relation to tsuba? I am familiar with its use in regards to swords and sword construction... -t

Shinshu Token Bijutsu Meito Kansho Hen "New compilation To-ken Bijutsu Meito appreciation edition/volume" So a collection of famous swords from the pages of the To-ken Bijutsu magazine, I expect of the "Gatefold Girls" from each edition...

You could ask these guys... 全日本刀匠会 | All Japan Swordsmith Association

Since you ask, he and his guardian jump overboard and drown shortly thereafter...

In one version of the story, convinced of defeat Tomonori addresses the boy emperor who is too scared to leap into the ocean, see my lord it is but a simple act to leap to your destiny, he then grabs the anchor wraps himself in the chain and leaps into the sea...

A symbol of ultimate loyalty to the (boy) Emperor...

Minatogawa...

Paul is already on the case... Shin Gobankaji Project

The key piece of information is that Hankei carved his signature and did not chisel it (see the pictures in Jean's link) - I am sure this is why folks are skeptical of the signature... -t

I would agree Shigeyoshi - a well regarded smith thus you want to be cautious. Could we see a photo of the whole tang? -tom

Not especially rare. What makes them special is the metal used is often the same as found in their swords so plain iron is most often seen, sometimes you get mokume, sometimes you see a more elaborate design and of course you often get the same signature as on one of their swords. Originally we are told there were few tsuba makers and so swordmakers had to produce a tsuba, usually a plain flat plate (Tosho), once we enter the Edo period we see more elaborate work and the swordmakers signature (Toko)... -t

Nice one!

Brian the travelling hat and walking stick are symbolic of a sophisticated court lady in exile - I believe it is imagery from Genji Monogatari... -t

NBTHK-AB

Excellent reading...

Dan I would read thru this thread...

Daisho tsuba - lacquer exterior iron core…

A tsuba by Hosokawa Tadayoshi - thru fire or other damage you can see the patina has flaked off…