cspage

Wow, Brian! You're right. Even after reading your answer it took me awhile to see the dragon, but sure enough, there it is. If I ever come into money, you get some. Thank you! Pretty impressive. I just couldn't figure out what all those forms were around him. But there it is. Great! Colin

Does anyone have any idea what this fellow on the fuchi is doing? The kashira matches in style and all else and has a rider on a horse on a bridge. But this is some mysterious activity, or I am missing something critical? Fishing? Collecting sea shells? Offering a gourd of sake to the sky? Being sucked down by a whirlpool? Offering sake to the sky while being sucked down by a whirlpool after falling off his horse from the bridge? Maybe there’s a myth about that. If I had money, I would pay for an accurate interpretation, or even one that is logical…but of course, I have no money. Any opinion welcome. Thank you all. Ps. Any tips on cleaning, or not cleaning Fuchi Kashira, would also be welcome. You guys are great. Colin

In the interest of education and discussion, and possibly of driving a subject into the ground, here are a couple of shots of the mimi of this tsuba. Perhaps there is some evidence here that may shed further light, one way or the other, on the cast question. I must say that the tsuba has a nice feel in the hand (no jokes, please) and is as substantial as any other "authentic" tsuba I've held. Just throwing things out there. Thanks again. Colin

I'm not really disappointed. I am here to learn and the opinions and observations are really helpful. I can certainly see the points for casting and now I have to find out more about cast tsubas. In any case, while perhaps not the most craftlike of tsubas, it still has a nice look and feel to it, even if cast. It certainly is hefty, nice patina, and the design, while perhaps derived from the real thing, is still nifty. Thanks. Always welcome more opinions.

Good to know. Thank you, all. Being a former potter, the sound of a solid pot, without cracks or internal flaws, probably led me to value the sound more than it should be. I have next to no experience with metal. I certainly appreciate your knowledge. But...that ring is still nice to hear, so I may still still flick a fingernail now and then. Maybe the next tsuba I post will be the one I have that doesn't have a satisfying ring and see what's what about it. Thanks again.

Here’s a tsuba that appears to have the standard “Echizen Ju Kinai Saku” mei. If anyone has any further info or opinions on this tsuba, I’d be more than interested in your observations. The tsuba has a nice ring when struck and due to the mei being somewhat worn, I suspect it is quite elderly. I’ve read the info on Malcom Cox’s website but didn’t find any insight toward this particular tsuba. Thanks all. 68mm x 68mm x 4mm

Thank you. I suspected it was authentic, but my local resources are limited if not non-existent. This is a great site, packed with knowledge and valuable opinions. I appreciate your help. More to come.

I would like opinions of whether or not this is a modern reproduction that’s been somewhat “aged,” or an authentic Edo period tsuba (late Edo?). It has the same design as a tsuba displayed on George’s Tsuba Pictures website (http://www.arco-iris.com/George/tsuba.htm#tsuba ), but appears not to be as delicate. The mei on mine appears to be Choshu Tomo (Yoshi?) Saku – I would also like opinion on the “Yoshi” interpretation. Are the chisel marks at the top and bottom of the nakago-ana a significant point in determining age/authenticity? Is the plant life in the motif rice, iris, plantain? The tsuba has a nice ring when struck. I have included 2 photos, one in natural light and one with flash to better display the mei. Any help would be welcome. I need good teaching. Thanks. Width 67mm height 70mm thickness at mimi 4mm