GoldenDrachen

Thank you Dale! Actually now it makes sense! I was wandering about that weird hairstyle of his, especially on the left side. Looks like an artist has placed the mountain silhouette on the background.

Hello everyone! So, I finally have received my first 2 tsuba, purchased some time ago and also discussed here, but with images from the auction description. Now I had a chance to make a better pictures, which I am sharing with you now. I have to tell, that I am quite happy with the look and feel. Most importantly, excitement has exceeded my expectations. Only one question that I have here: Can we say what period or perhaps school is the tsuba with Jittoku? Thank you in advance!

Thank you. All clear now.

I actually reading his website now - extremely educational. Especially part about tsuba anesthetics. Will get the book definitely!

Of course. That is the point. I am not afraid to ruin it. Because it is highly unlikely. But it won't hurt to do it more or less properly. Got all of it for less than a 100. It will come by post in couple of weeks time. So I was thinking that I can prepare.

I clearly understand difference between foil and leaf. Leaf needs sizing, foil mechanically applied to the metal surface. At this stage I would like to understand which techniques were used in tosogu decoration. Confusion comes from info above that gold leaf more western, but article about Kanazawa states, that it was used for a quiet a long time in Japan, and came from China. BTW gold foil techniques, I believe, came from Korea.

Now I am confused. But eager to get to the bottom of it It actually looks like gold leaf used in Japan for centuries https://enkanazawa.hakuichi.co.jp/about/kinpaku_history.php Can't see the reason why these techniques couldn't been used for decorating tosogu. Maybe I am wrong? Please point me at some resources where I can read about traditional methods used in decoration of tsuba, fuchi etc. As I can understand, any modern technology will work for my purpose, I mean visually, But out of curiosity I would really like to know about traditional methods. Thank you in advance Vitaly

Thank you for the tip! Then I will try foil. I believe keum boo technique is suitable. Little bit more difficult and involves torch, but I guess I should stick to traditional ways. Regards Vitaly

Thank you all for the response! I understand that intrusive methods should not be used for this kind of work. I have been reading some articles here and in other places, but all of them lacking visuals. Like before and after, that would help to evaluate initial condition to choose appropriate way of dealing with problem. I have experience with gold leaf, which I intend to use on fuchi and kashira. Silver for faces gold for the body. I am not ready for the way Ford Hallam uses in his video with amalgam and mercury. Yet I am not sure about chemical re-patination. Is this acceptable for this time if restoration?

Hello gentlemen! Here is something I purchased ( again!) I have plans to try rewrapping tsuka. For this purpose I was looking for inexpensive, trashed koshirae. So I bought one. With closer look, all fittings, despite being in dirty condition, look not so bad. I might try to clean them also. My question is: In your opinion is it possible to clean all fittings (advice, tips)? Maybe restore golden guilt? As always I would be very interested to find out about motifs, possible era, school perhaps?

Amazing! Another super educational discussion!!! Thank you all very much! @Spartancrest Dale, yes I have seen the damage, but decided to have this tsuba anyway. I also tried to do some reading on Omodaka motif. It is a symbol of victory. Very often seen in Mon, fabric patterns etc.

Hello Jean! Thank you so much! This is very helpful information. Regards Vitaly

Hello gentlemen I did a little bit of shopping today and acquired 3 tsuba. As usual quite cheap. All pictures are from auc description. That's all I have. 1. This one I got to replace trashed tsuba on my Satsuma Rebellion sword. Is the cherry blossom a Mon? I believe this cut through design called sukashi? 2. I believe we have here ship sails, masts. Is the design on the bottom represent mist? Can I also get help with the signature please? 3. I can't figure out a motif here. Bamboo leaves? Is the rim called fukurin? Thank you in advance! Vitaly

@vajo and @Infinite_Wisdumb thank you so much! I am glad that I have asked! Regards Vitaly

Hello gentlemen! This is me again. Looking for an urgent advice. (auction ends in 2 hours) I have spotted this tsuba as a part of tachi koshirae, all in poor condition, but anyway I might go for it. This tsuba, I think, is interesting. (or not? What do you think) Can this rust be removed? Thank you in advance Vitaly

Could you elaborate? I am very interested.

Firstly, thank you so much, guys! Always lots of information, interesting and valuable.. I appreciate that a lot! For instance, now I clearly understand the concept of some initial design being used by various craftsmen in their pieces. Absolutely obvious that level of skills is quite different etc. Very cool. I like that. Yes and no. As I can see, most of the literature in this field was firstly published during the period 1900 - 1960- ish. But still it had to be dug out (libraries, antique bookshops) For new collectors, the chances of discovering something new it this field getting slimmer. Practically everything is already studied, documented etc. The older generation of collectors have enjoyed better prices and virtual absence of fakes. Personally for me, it is a privilege to have a chance to learn from "older" collectors and I will be eternally grateful to all you good people for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Hi Chris. I just bought it. I only have pics from auc discription. Will this help?

Hello everyone! As a novice, I am not familiar with the signatures, schools, manufacturing periods (yet) but trying. Trying to train my eye, at least, to distinguish modern produce from the old ones. I bought this tsuba, and this is what I thought about it. Popular floral ornament, peonies, I guess. Craftsmanship, not bad at all. It was mounted. Since it is very ornate or decorative - Edo period? I can't see any fire scale, just some rust, but I believe could be cleaned. (please tell me what I did get right and wrong, any input ALWAYS appreciated) I paid 98€ for it Subject's photos in attachment Regards Vitaly

Funny enough, I missed this auction! I was watching it all morning and then, when about 20 min left, got distracted and forgot about it. I think at the end it was sold for 5700 yen. A sign perhaps? I think Soshin and Rokujuro were right. I don't need it.

Hi Geraint! Thank you for your input. I appreciate it a lot! Seller of the habaki has supplied pictures with all possible measurements, (which are virtually identical to ones I need) So fingers crossed, it will fit. if not - sageo it is. Regards Vitaly

Sounds good. I will follow this auction. Thank you for the tip!

Oh yeah, I have seen it. And I would like to have a hard copy now.

Dear Jean and David! I totally understand your point. But! Why should I deprive myself of enjoyment of slow immersion in this very deep "waters"? In pursue of understanding the motifs, I will study Japanese legends... To understand signatures I will study Japanese names... To understand tosogu I WISH to touch and observe personally, any piece that attracts my attention. Besides I LOVE books, and all this brings me a lot of reading. BTW thanks to Brian and his list of literature, some very interesting manuscripts listed there Kindest regards Vitaly

Gentlemen! Thank you all, so much! Very helpful and educational. I really appreciate your help. Kindest regards Vitaly