Winchester

Hi Phillip, You are in luck. There are some serious collectors of Yamakichibei on the forum and I am sure one will provide an expert opinion. I am a student and learning, therefore my opinion is just that: I like your tsuba and look forward to learning more with you on this thread.

John C., I wonder if that photo and others like it truly are showing what is being surmised—confiscated for DESTRUCTION. I was talking with my neighbor a couple years ago who is a USMC WW2 veteran in theatre and he told me both on land and on ship there were massive piles of swords…..but…..that every GI was told to grab one two or anything from the pile. He said it was literally an assembly line of go and pick stuff out. My question being: are we always seeing what we think we are in these photos.

The tsuba is published in a book and has papers; both are in Japanese, however. I’ll request a translation and make a donation to the forum. Perhaps this can provide further direction.

Thank you, Thomas. I am still uncertain what to believe in terms of timeline. We are gaining further insight—thank you for all the contributions everyone—but to whom can we ascribe the high ranking to from Markus’ article referring to the ranking list published around 1815? In holding my tsuba in hand, I am a bit incredulous that this is late Edo. I seek to be objective and learn. Just not sure what to make of it.

In the following link, My tsuba , is listed in a photo marked "44 Nakamura 1963". (about 3/4 of the way down the page) It is a signed Kamakura-bori piece that I have a green paper for. When I was doing some initial reading, I came across Markus Sesko's blog that discussed there were two tsubashi from the school that were top ranked; whereas, further effort to study didn't provide any additional paths. (I am thankful to you both Thomas and Okan; Okan, that is more information than I have been able to find. Many thanks.)

Greetings, I am trying to find further information to study on Saotome Ienori. 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 over a very long period of time...YET I cannot seem to find any info. Is there a book or resource someone can direct me to for further study and/or do you have any information/commentary you can share? Thanks!

I think your heart is in the right place Dan and if it makes you happy, keep on keeping on. Maybe someone will benefit by your post? Everyone has different budgets and interests; this could be a way for someone to purchase that maybe they couldn’t otherwise. Who knows?

I really like it but notice the seppa dai is considerably larger than the published one. important note for comparison Im amazed you got it for $300.00 good find but more importantly good art.

I believe the overall theme is tranquility and resilience; basically sending good vibes out to the universe. It’s a good message and thank you for sharing.

Thank you everyone and OP for the great post; definitely some serious art shared in this one.

Hi Jake, It's possible that has the Maeda clan mon? Lovely piece and does seem early. Big, thank you for sharing. I really like constellation / moon tsuba, but do not have one presently. Thank you, Brian and Zachary. I am not an expert commentator by any means, but it seems evident that both have significant age and the iron gets a particular 'tell' to it from these periods--along with the other clues. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

Traditional Kintsugi bowl, mended with shimmering gold, offering a powerful reminder of the beauty found in healing and imperfection. Rooted in the wabi sabi philosophy, this bowl embodies the idea that brokenness is not a flaw but a source of strength and renewal. Sharing for enjoyment and peace. ETA: I believe the piece is around 100 years old, but not really sure. Kintsugi work is recent.

Seems to be the middle part of Muromachi, Alex? Just an opinion. Thank you for sharing; very pleasing piece.

Thank you for sharing, Paris and Luca. Really nice tusba!

Just remarkable pieces, Evan. Thank you very kindly for sharing. Very moving and yet subtle, dynamic with calm.

Skateboarding was fun when I was young…at 40 years old my heart is there but not the falling down repeatedly part. lol

Please share some photos or commentary on early iron tosogu; be it wabi sabi aesthetics; yamakichibei; armor, early menuki, et cetera. One of mine to get started:

Agreed, Alex. They are selling the hedonic or multi-sensory aspect of their wares. Reminds me of the philosophy question: Is ignorance bliss?

I am having a hard time articulating this, which is unusual for me. I appreciate many different schools, timeframes, imagery, aesthetics, iron characteristics...yet I can look at one high-end piece and it does not appeal to me as much as a lower-end piece and vice versa. Just some Sunday morning musings, with a cuppa. What say you?

Boy, I wish I would have seen this earlier--before it sold. Oh well, such is life. Best to the seller and buyer.

Just ordered 3 books, thank you.

Plainly, it will help to have examples for discussion. Who, in addition to Thomas, can share more? Next steps?

40 years old…..

Got my first replica when I was around 8 or 9 years old from the Chinese exhibit at Epcot. The man who took it out of the case told me, "use this to defend your family, only". I was in awe. First real nihonto was at 37 or four years ago...no regrets and it has enriched my life on many levels (art, history, design, study).

Thank you, Logan. Appreciate you sharing this with us. I am not in need of this service, but perhaps it would helps others if you noted what the lead time is, estimate / range, and if you are taking on additional projects? Looks great!