Winchester

After reviewing this for a while, having interest, I am of the opinion that the motif is “drawer pulls”, with an ancient Chinese meaning of good fortune, peace and a turning point (abstractly). I also think it is Kanayama. I am not an expert, just a student of the hobby.

I am sorry for the loss of your friend, Steve, as well as to the others who knew, loved, and cared for him.

Hi Mark, What time will the educational presentations start? I am very much looking forward to the show! Hope to chat with many of you there. Best regards, Brian

What is a good budget for gendaito? $2,000 - $3,750? I will let you know if I hear of something. Ray Singer has a few on his website.

What is the symbolism of fish inner-ear bones? Uniquely specific, there must be some symbolism that escapes me. From the web (Source: High Emporium Website Link Ref.), general information: 3. Symbolism: Decoding the Meaning Behind Fish in Japanese Culture Fish in Japanese culture are imbued with profound symbolism, representing various virtues and ideals. The koi fish, for instance, is a prominent symbol of love and perseverance. This interpretation stems from the koi's natural behavior, where they swim upstream against strong currents, embodying a relentless spirit and unyielding determination. Similarly, the carp is another significant fish symbol, known for its strength and resilience. The carp's ability to leap over waterfalls is particularly revered, making it a symbol of success and ambition. This attribute is celebrated during the Boy's Day Festival in Japan, where carp-shaped kites, known as "koinobori," are flown to inspire strength and bravery in children.

I forgot to mention that if you go to their channel, there are additional videos to watch. With all the studying I have been doing lately, it's a nice break from books.

In reference to the original post, many on sites like eBay. There are exceptions and a nice tsuba doesn't have to be expensive for its' aesthetics to be appreciated in my opinion, but many on eBay are a bit cringeworthy.

Just came across this video and thought I would forward it to the group for interest. Many thanks to the NYTK for the fun video, entitled," Japanese Sword Fittings Prior to 1600's". Link for Video (Click)

Thank you, Steve, for this informative and thought provoking post. Have there been any articles published on Christian iconography in tosogu--a compilation perhaps, from a specific den or for a particular daimyo that converted? Thank you in advance, Brian

In my never-ending pursuit of tsuba...I believe I came across this a while ago and it was described as a wave, cloud and bridge. I don't recall if it was in a book or on a website. I recalled at the time--and it stood out to me--that the design was very minimalist for what it was purported to be conveying. Just my $0.02 from memory.........

To somewhat address your question OP: Yes, you can get a sense of a timeframe for tsuba based on factors such as design, subject and more. 50 years as you mentioned—for example—is realistic, while a specific year is likely not. If you are seeking the fun of collecting including historical, societal or other factors in a tsuba…you can get fairly close. Note: this is a very simplified answer.

Colin, can you share if you ship internationally? Specifically, the US?

Part of it is translated in that section on the forum. I’ll add it here. Added: 雲龍図鐔 - unryū (no) zu tsuba 鉄地 撫角形 - tetsu-ji nadekaku-gata 銘 早乙女[家]則 - mei Saotome Ienori

Interesting, thank you, Brian. i feel like there is something here; then again, i could be off and just spinning my wheels. But, hey. I’m having fun.

I'm really just trying to figure out what I have and doing some light detective work. Either it is an early piece and I have not been able to find references (most likely) or it was made but an exceptionally skilled armorer. Both situations are positive in my view. Here is the loose notes I have: Major Premise/Theory: What I have is a tsuba that was done by Nobuie's disciple/apprentice, Saotome Ienori. This would have been done in Nobuie's lifetime. Minor Premise/Support: Signature does not appear to be same in this example: https://www.bonhams....o-period-circa-1800/ Counterpoint: A) https://tsubakansho.com/tag/kamakura-bori/ --> May reference book as Nakamura 1963. Not validated yet. B) Tôken Tsuba Kagami, Banzuke was published around 1800s that ranks tsuba makers from the beginning through present. Materials I have to try to tie everything together: A) green papers (yes, I know they are not ideal and it will take time for me to get resubmitted because I will not mail this); B) publication, the tsuba is published in a book, but I do not have the name of the book, just scan of pages AND the book is what makes this reference; C) From Markus Sesko, the reference: "And this brings us to the tsuba makers banzuke that I was talking about (see picture below). It is titled Tôken Tsuba Kagami (刀剣鍔鏡) and was compiled by Noda Takaaki (野田敬明, 1759-1825) some time during the Bunsei era (文政, 1818-1830). ... It is also interesting to learn that two Saotome artists are found within the top ranks. Anyway, it becomes clear that this banzuke focuses on tankô (鐔工), i.e. tsuba craftsmen...". ...Saotome Ienori is listed as a top tsubashi.