thutson

I have a brass-inlaid Heianjo tsuba with very similar shaped hitsu.

Here is the favourite bird-themed tosogu from my collection: a tsuba by Watanaba Issei. It depicts the southward migration of geese in the autumn months and their return to Japan in the eighth lunar month known as “Kanaraigetsu”. As the geese migrate south from their summer visit to Siberia they inspire thoughts of the coming winter, but also give a strong feeling towards the Japanese spirit. I fully appreciate how especially during times of change and uncertainly that this yearly event brings a sense of unity and national pride. The importance of geese in Japanese art was further secured by stories of several military heroes who had achieved victory in battle when a sudden breaking of ranks by flying geese signaled an ambush. This protective role of the birds led to their frequent use in decorating tosogu. I particularly like the detailed carving of the geese on the omote and the snow on the reeds; you can see them buckle under the weight. On the ura the imprints of the geese's feet in the snow are very charming, as well as the sekigane which is made to look like snowfall, a lovely touch.

I recently picked up this lovely tsuba signed Tatsutoshi. Three Minogame are carved with beautiful detail, these are turtles from Japanese folklore that are said to live up to 10,000 years old and have long strands of algae growing from their shells, which resembles a straw raincoat—or mino—from which they get their name. Best, Tom

I have an Ichijo shakudo tsuba where the nakago-ana has been completely retro-fitted, probably some time after initial manufacture. You can see in the angled pictures that the alloy used is a slightly different colour than the black/blue of the tsuba. It's an extreme conversion and shows that the piece was important to someone but as to why it was done, your guess is as good as mine. Best, Tom

Congrats, it looks like an authentic tsuba and I like the design showing an ear of rice with gold highlights. Looks like work by the Bushu school, I have a similar tsuba with gold highlighted water drops.

Looks to be an authentic tsuba and not a modern cast copy. I agree with Jean, it doesnt look like typical Soten school work.

I would second the idea that it depicts mist rather than a flood, although I can't explain the angle of the Toriii, which looks very odd. Best, Tom

Thanks Okan, wonderful workmanship, a beautiful set of f/k.

They are adorable, I would love to see some close up pics. Thanks for sharing!

Happy to see you back Dale

Hello Hamfish, Yes it was a recent purchase on Jauce.

Thank you both for your help, I appreciate it.

Dear all, I would be most grateful if someone could help translate the mei on this tsuba, I believe it says Hashimoto. Many thanks, Tom

Enjoying this thread a lot, some wonderiful pieces on show. Two more from me: Akasaka Musashino sukashi tsuba showing pampas grass with dew drops and another with a Yatsuhashi and Iris design in sukashi.

Here's one from my collection, lilys from the Choshu school.