Baryonyx

Thanks--I am going to a store today to hopefully get a few books. Thanks--I will add them to the list of books I should get. Yes--I am very grateful and it is very good of him. My conundrum is, to tell him some of them are fakes--which will disappoint him. But then, if I don't--there's always the chance he'll buy from the same seller and I'd hate to see him waste his money. I guess I won't tell him as I'd hate to disappoint him. But I will nudge him towards Grey's website closer to Christmas (his Christmas present is always some sort of collectible---either a dinosaur tooth or a rare coin which I also collect, but since he knows I am interested in collecting Tsuba too--I expect he will be on the look out) so if he does decide to buy a tsuba as a present, he will get it from a trusted source. He is a collector too--autographs and Old West antiques. So I always get him an Old West-related item. Collecting is something we both enjoy. Thanks for the help everyone.

Thanks--I have a look through and many are in my budget for when I start buying myself. I've budgeted a portion of my youtube channel revenue each month to buy a few ($800 a month). So many on Grey's website fall within that budget--and some really nice ones too. It will likely be my go-to place to buy from. Some really nice ones too! Thanks for letting me know. Are any of the ebay sellers and, the Samurai Museum store trustworthy sources? Browing ebay there are a few designs I like from Japanese sellers--I'm not sure if people here would consider them collectable, but I like the nice patterns. But after this post, I am worried that ebay too will be full of fakes marketed as real. That is the case for the dinosaur fossils I also collect--for every good fossil, there's five dodgy wons.

Nanban is a new term for me--so a search tells me it is Japanese guards with foreign influence on the design? So, the one with the person and the flower/plant design are Japanese designs--according to the Samurai Museum's website guide. And the signed one too. So the Nanban ones would be pics 3 and 7? Thanks for the help

So, cast means that they are all modern reproductions? My dad got them from an antiques site, I guess trusting they were good--I should see if he can get a refund? And maybe give him a pointer of where he can get one that is legit if he wants to get me one as a gift. Thanks for the help

Just saw the intro thread. I am new to nihonto and have an interest in Tsuba. I really like the designs, but I am a complete beginner. I also collect dinosaur fossils--mainly teeth. I have already learnt a lot here--it's a cool website. good to meet you all.

My dad has very kindly bought me a set. He knew I was looking to start collecting, so imagine my surprise when I vidcalled him yesterday and he showed a set he had. He sent me some photo, too. They are apparently Edo period. Now--I wonder if someone would be kind enough to give a quick glance and tell if they are real antique edo period, or reproductions? I would hate for them to be repros. Also, number six has lettering on it--that would be the makers name? Thanks very much--I hope these are all real.

Apparently there is a shop here which a friend says may have a Tsuba reference book (I am in Taipei), so I will visit in the weekend. In the meantime, I have been reading up on some of the links and websites. And I have a question about the design/structure. So, I see some Tsuba have a three holes -- a nakago-hitsu, Kougai-Hitsu and a Kozuka-Hitsu, but some only have two. Is that a design choice by the maker, or is it an indication of age at all--like, tsuba's from a certain period not having a kougai-hitsu? Thanks

Hi, Sorry for the late replies everyone. I have been away for the past week or so. I appreciate all those who took the time to help. I will definitely check out some of the recommended books and sources. I do not have a preference. For me, it is more an interest of the designs, then the historical period (I do not like modern). But interesting designs are what appeals to me--and then, studying and finding out the history and meaning behind each of the designs which I think would be very fun. Whether it is iron or mixed metal--for me it doesn't matter, as long as the design is appealing to me. I like the sound of what you mention Meiji period art tsuba. That sounds right up my alley. Thanks. I definitely will if one ever comes to Taiwan. I would expect so, there is quite an interest in Japanese culture here. It definitely seems like there is a lot to take in and some great sources to read and find out more. Thanks for the help--and sorry for delayed reply!

Hello, I was recommended to join this forum. So, I am interested in collecting either Tsuba or Fuchi Kasira (or both) but have no idea where to start? It has always appealed to me since I visited the Samurai museum in Tokyo a few years ago and I saw some there. I love the designs. But, cost stopped me from collecting--I also collect dinosaur fossils and, until recently didn't have the funds to do two seperate collections. But now I do, so I am considering collecting Tsuba or Fuchi Kasira. I don't have much knowledge about Japanese history--and I think collecting and learning as I collect would be a great way to go about it. More interesting than just reading a book. But--where to start? Does anyone have any good guides/online sources for 1 - identifying different sorts 2 - Telling antique ones from modern reproductions 3 - Avoiding fakes 4 - Telling which are good quality/bad quality 5 - Trustworthy places to buy 6 - To get a guide price on value Any books or websites--I know I can google, but, as a newcomer--I'd have no idea if the online source is actually good or not. It's like when I started collecting dinosaur teeth, the best info about what to look for, identifying them, telling takes etc came from actual collectors on forums. Thanks very much!