Winchester

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!

Iaido Dude, I really like your tsuba #1. It has a subtle and elegant appearance. Tim, I really like your tsuba #2. Thank you for sharing. Was this one Steve was selling a while ago? It looks familiar. Best, Brian

I’d like to go to this show in the next couple years; since joining the forum, I have heard many good things about it. Is it realistic to buy something and mail it back to the US from the show? Kind regards, Brian

It sounds like a fun project, Piers! Enjoy the journey.

Thank you for sharing, John; definitely a privilege to view. Were there advantages offensively or defensively based on the design? Just trying to learn more. Thank you

Ordered this and the Sasano book...! Thanks for sharing, Peter, and Stephen for this wonderful contribution to the hobby. Excited to learn more!!!

Thank you, Colin. Appreciate the confirmation and the link. In my original post, instead of the wording of 'design', I should have placed more emphasis on the 'carving' style. I have only seen this almost amateur carving on a very, very early tsuba and was wondering if there was a school that was known for this or term and an approximate timeframe. Of course, and more probable, I could be completely off and it is not noteworthy or perhaps a tribute piece from the Edo period.

Thank you in advance for any feedback or help; need some guidance as a collector. I am trying to learn more about: a) the design shown in this recently acquired tsuba; and b) approximate timeframe. I am familiar with some kebori designs, but this seems like a more distinct or naive carving. The symbolism represents the human ability to overcome challenges. Thanks, everyone.

Just speculation, but one is depicting male; whereas, the other one is female. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Yoon, Thanks for your post and welcome to our shared hobby--enjoy! In my opinion, you have done enough now and can just enjoy these, while keeping an eye on them periodically. It has sentimental value to you and you will in time collect and learn more. "Enjoy the ride".

Congrats on your purchase! In reviewing tsuba in person, books, online, et cetera, you will gain a sense as you learn more to provide an approximate range. Keep asking questions and enjoy the journey! I am a newer collector as well; and for the past few years have studied tosogu daily, but I am not an expert. My opinion based on what little information I can see in your post is that it is a revivalist piece likely mid-1800's. (re; kozukahitsuana, sukashi, and thickness) Texture seems overdone or exaggerated too which may be on subtlety pointing to this as well. Again, my opinion only and there are experts amongst us who can further provide commentary. Hope this is of interest and may help.

Happy Friday, everyone. Thought this was an interesting one; same design on the front as on the back. Diameter is 8.5 cm (+/-) and thickness is approx. 2.5 mm, although difficult to measure. I believe that the rim was added at a later date. Uncommon subject matter to my understanding. Please share any thoughts or feedback. Thank you

On the above example, which David posted and Mauro shared for additional commentary, the eyes on this tsuba are brass. The later example--and subject of the post--is later and the eyes are gold. I think they are cool, regardless of 1400's-1800's and just like the style. Just so rarely see them, let alone for sale.

Thank you, Tim, for the detailed response / answer. It is most helpful and I appreciate it.

Really appreciate it, Dale. Thank you

Ya…I was apparently lazy in my reply and apologize. My intention was to articulate that these tsuba can be found from 1400’s through 1800’s.

That's a really good idea with the plexiglass (I'm guessing) barrier for the display. Good idea, which I will borrow. Thanks for sharing all the great photos of the festival! Very cool.

Hi David, I understand this is an older post, but I may have some feedback (my opinion after studying) that may be of interest. I believe your tsuba was made as an homage--so-to-speak--of the style from the Kamakura period. I believe it is also mid-to-late Edo; further, any tsuba of this design are not common. Someone mentioned the design being the same on the reverse--this was true with earlier examples, as well. The example that Christian M. posted with 'flames' or 'spikes' is also, perhaps more so, rare. I believe the dimensions of the tsuba, along with the execution of design, give insight as to an early piece or a 'revival' piece. Hope this may be of interest and helps.

Yes, the nakago ana. Sorry for my mistake. From your feedback, then this would not necessarily indicate age on a given tsuba? Again, I am just trying to learn and understand. Thank you

^^^. Regardless if the mei is correct, it is still a nice piece and can be appreciated on its' own merits. Thank you for sharing--very cool.

I feel like I need Columbo on this one: 'Just one more thing...' I've been trying to find source material that will tell me what the story is with older tsuba that are 'rounded' in the center of the hitsu ana. Here is an example from a recent purchase: https://japaneseswor...unusual-tachi-tsuba/ Were these indicative of age? Any information you can share? I believe this is an early piece, but it is frustrating that of the few books I own and hours of searching, I just find second or third-hand references that say it means it's older....Why? More info.? Just trying to understand and learn more is all... Thank you in advance and any opinions on the tsuba are welcome.

Hi Piers, Hang in there and trust the energy will come back when you have a chance to rest. On rare or uncommon items surfacing, I have noticed this across the board in multiple hobbies and collecting groups...I will speak factually, from a US perspective on the timing and possible causes: 1) tax season (people pay in or may be awaiting a refund, etc.); 2) inflation which has been consistent and years in duration, increasing further; additionally, inflation has impacted literally everything, be it day-to-day items (food, groceries, bills) to property, rentals, you name it. It is my opinion that these factors are causing a buying opportunity in a number of markets.

Thank you K Morita. Very appreciated.

Listed as "Continued Luck in Fortunes of War", seeking to verify. I just purchased this and wished to double check: https://japaneseswor...unusual-tachi-tsuba/ Thank you in advance; I did spend quite of time trying to research and had no luck, unfortunately.

Still thinking how to explain this to my wife… very interested. Thinking on it.