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Is the oft refererred to Yagu design book available anywhere? Does anyone have a copy? Is there any location one might search for it? It sounds like it would be an invaluable thing to have around. I saw a mention that it was compiled in the early 20th century, so one would think it findable somewhere. Thanks. Colin

Here's a different view of one of the recent Holbrook tsubas from Grey. Just for everyone's viewing pleasure. I really like the ura side of the tsuba, kind of charming, the bucket and scoop. Colin

Thank you, David, for posting these pics and interpretation of the design. This was my 2nd choice from the recent Holbrook tsubas that Grey has on offer. I went for another instead. It's always nice to see different pics, lighting, etc. on the tsubas offered online. And, of course, to read further information surrounding the tsubas. Much appreciated. It's also inspired me to get some together on the tsuba I purchased from Grey and see what everyone has to say about it. Will post them soon. Colin

Henry, FYI, Fred Geyer has a similar tsuba on his website, if you're not already aware: http://www.swordsandtsuba.com/tsuba/assortedpg1.html Colin

Speaking of not to be missed. My motto of "take tarts when tarts are passing" is proven yet once again. This tsuba, http://www.nihonto.com/5.2.11.html was for sale on Bob Benson's website for $400 or $450 and now it's for sale on Fred Weissberg's site for $650. Such is life...remember to take those tarts when they are apassing. Colin

Here are a couple of tsubas from online websites that hold a similarity to the tsuba of topic. Just FYI. The first is a tsuba posted on Fred Geyer's website, http://www.swordsandtsuba.com/home.html The second is from George's website and contains the following description in the form of a note written from one enthusiast to another, as follows: “Dear George, Remember this calligraphic tsuba ? Digging through my study collection of photos, I ran across this picture. I coveted it back in the heyday of the old Nanka Token Kai but it traded at the price of a good katana. I think it went off to Europe. Besides the rare, even unique, shape and the quality of (Myochin?) work, it had a practical aspect as it formed a stand so the katana would not roll when set down. There was some speculation that it was in such superb condition because the character "Oh" or "Dai" (big) was the first character in the name of a Tokugawa adversary and thus "Politically Incorrect" to wear. Regards, Jack” http://www.arco-iris.com/George/dai_tsuba.htm I don't know if there is any real relationship other than the rough shape similarities, but it might be of interest. Colin

David (Akitombo), any chance of getting close up good pics of the mokko tsuba on the right in your submission? It seems there is depth in the details and luciousness. Please. Thanks. Colin

Hard not to show off some stuff. My 3 favorite tsubas. Colin

Here is a description of Hirotaka from Andy Quirt in reference to a Hirotaka wakizashi I purchased from him. Echizen Hoki no Kami Hirotaka was active around Meireki (1655 - 1658). He was of the Echizen Shimosaka school, and his style is close to that of Harima Daijo Shigetaka. He is rated Chujosaku in Nihon Toko Jiten - Shinto Hen by Fujishiro, valued at 3,500,000 yen in Shibata's Toko Taikan, and listed with a double triangle in Nihonto Meikan. Colin

I can't resist the need to compliment Grey on using the work "lumpen." I haven't seen that word in decades and it is so lovely, appropriate and descriptive. Love it. Colin

The design is outstanding...at least in my eyes. Those linear geese at the bottom rock. The contrast of the delicate geese and moon with the strong edges of the sukashi, the balance between heavy and light is wonderful. Thanks. Colin

the two central figures resemble the "monkey toy," at least that's the way it's been described on some sites, but the proportions are off. Colin

I'm surprised the obvious hasn't yet been mentioned...M-I-C...K-E-Y...you can take it from there. Do I really have to sign this? Ah well... Colin P.S. I've also been looking at these tsuba for a long time. Yamabushi Antiques is a great site for very interesting tsuba.

Just FYI, Moses Becerra has a nifty intro video up on his website: http://www.nihontoantiques.com. While a great marketing tool, it is also informative and for those in the know, a nice thing to encounter. Colin

John, living under the assumption that there's no such thing as a silly question, I would be interested in a written evaluation of the sekigane aspect of this tsuba. It appears there are two, but they seem to be also of iron as the body of the tsuba. What is going on here? Just fishing for info. Thanks. Colin p.s. Could you elaborate on what features made you decide on Ko-Shoami? Much appreciated.

Here's an exhaustive (exhausting) article on wakizashi sword length: http://www.una.edu/faculty/takeuchi/DrT ... of_wak.htm Colin

I like the questions, Chuck, and think that if a few of us answer one or two, it might lend some food for thought on your quest for a direction. I am also relatively new to the tsuba acquisition mania, but have begun to feel that I am honing in on some features that intrigue me more than others. I have about 17 tsuba, one of which is a fake that I figured was when I bought it, and it was a great learning piece as the NMB spent good time analyzing it. I have two katanas and one wakizashi. Anyway, I started acquiring tsuba, of course, by what caught my eye and fell within what I perceived as a reasonable budget (little did I know!). And I think that I am almost at the end of that period as some of the aspects of the tsubas I have appeal to me more than others. I have Choshu, Tempo, Higo, Ono, Saotome, Owari, Akasaka (who can resist Akasaka?), Heianjo, Echizen Kinai. I am beginning to lean toward the Ono aspects as the weight and somewhat “primitive” unsophisticated “atmosphere” of the tsuba belie the probable opposite in their making. Tempo also reflects that somewhat, but the designs of the Ono/Yagu type tsubas have more interest for me. I am also leaning toward tosho and katchushi for much the same reasons, plus the tactile and visual subtleties of the iron/steel make me feel good. There are some ko-katchushi and ko-tosho out there that make me drool with desire in their spare sophistication. The fancy Soten work and the highly skilled inlay etc. work of other schools doesn’t do much for me. I don’t have to think about them. Echizen Kinai work, not so much either. Seen one dragon, seen them all…(I know, I know, just making a point). The really high end Akasaka with nifty sukashi designs are also on my list (just have to save those pennies). So, that’s what’s driving my intentions in the tsuba world, with lots of caveats and reserving the right to change direction at any time without prior notice. I also live with everything out where I can see it and enjoy it every day. And no, you can’t have my address. Colin

Here's another of similar design/motif. http://yakiba.com/tsuba_owari2.htm Colin

Also, Carl, it's always helpful to give the measurements when asking about identification, etc. Usually in millimeters, height, width, thickness at the mimi (outer edge) and/or at the nakago-ana (cutout for the blade). Just a suggestion. I'm looking forward to further photos. Colin

Cool, Roy. Could we see the other side, please? And maybe a shot that has the thickness showing with inside of sukashi, with dimensions listed? It's an intersting combination of themes. Thanks. Colin

With Bob Benson's evaluation and the pics, which are fairly decent, it looks like the proverbial bargain that everyone is looking for and if I had the bucks, I'd not hesitate. "He who hesitates...etc." And getting away from just the price, the sword looks pretty damn nice and interesting. Tsuba is cool, too. Colin

If you're there around the weekend of the 21st, the logical step would be a quick flight to San Francisco for the San Francisco Japanese Sword Show (Token-kai) at the airport Marriott, which is probably where all the "dealers" etc. will be that weekend. It's huge. http://www.ncjsc.org/SF_token_kai.htm Colin

This looks like a right dandy wakizashi. I'm surprised no one else has chimed in on it. I wish I could help, but all I can do is drool over it. Good luck. Colin

Of course he was, but we can't let it go to his head, n'est ce pas? Sorry, the sun came out here last week after eternal winter and spring of grey gloomy extremely wet weather. Makes one giddy and glib. No more jibes. Back to topic. Colin P.S. Stephen did help me out last year, too, for which I am grateful.

He probably picked Stephen because of the welcoming, smiley face avatar, not knowing what he was really getting. Colin