Alexander Again

Wow, even more examples. You guys truly are the tsuba detectives. Thanks to all. I will have to stop by the third decade for my next tsuba inquiry. Cheers.

Right. Artist by modern definition (people who created for a living) but thought of differently by the society of their time. People like composers and painters in the west were once given similar treatment (i.e. "you are a craftsman supplying your craft to your patron"); lots of copying there as well.

Barry: Awesome example, thanks for sharing! Definitely some notable similarities. Dale: Good eye. I remember there was discussion over what particular school my tsuba was in the original thread: if these three mantis tsuba in your book are of a similar school/timeframe it certainly explains the punch mark resemblance you noticed. Interesting if all five could be made by the same person. Jean: I definitely agree with the scenario you described. It most likely happened (for any number of reasons; an artist getting into a groove/perfecting or playing with a design, an artist noticing what sold well, etc.)

Thank you Dale! The perfect example (three mantis tsuba, almost "exact" yet different). Pretty much sums up what's going on for me (although if others have still more to add I welcome the insight). Yes, I purchased it a week and a half ago: while it's an amazing feeling for the two tsuba to be together, I ultimately am gifting #2 to a friend/student. I think it's a fitting gift as they have an interest in Japan, Mantis and have been working on utsushi (a word I just learned) with me as my student. Cheers!

Tagging the legendary @Mantis dude as he may be interested in seeing this example

More photos of tsuba #2 (for photos of tsuba #1, simply see the original thread):

Hello Again! Eleven years ago I hopped on to this forum to ask for help with any info on tsuba #1 (you can find the thread here: Once again I have returned for the sequel, to ask for assistance: Imagine my surprise when I came across tsuba #2, almost identical to my own! Of course I say almost, as they are not perfect twins. Differences are found, such as: the number of "dots" in the terminal buds of the plants, the direction of the dragonfly's tail, the scratches on the mantis' wings, etc. The studied eyes of this forum will be able to spot even more differences than I. What's going on here? A few questions: 1. Is this somehow a fake copy? Seems genuine to me, but I am open to hearing it is some sort of modern copy (along with any telltale giveaways) if such is the case. If both are genuine: 2. Is this a copy by another period artist (a student copying a teacher, another period artist copying a friend/peer, etc.), or are these most likely the work of the same individual? 3. Would there be any reason that a pair of tsuba like this would be commissioned/crafted together (similar, on purpose, as a pair), or is this simply an example of an artist making several similar pieces? 4. Is this a common occurrence, for detailed imagery on more than one tsuba to match? I could immediately imagine a craftsman cranking out several namako sukashi tsuba (海鼠透鐔) that all happen to resemble each other due to their minimalistic appearance, but how often do scenes of animals and botany line up almost perfectly like in these two examples? Is this a rare instance, or do many members of the forum have two detailed tsuba they could grab off their shelf and say "Yes, see these? This happens all the time." I would be very grateful for any information you can point out on tsuba #2 (maybe even in regards to points or questions I have not thought to bring up!). I appreciate returning to such a knowledgeable group. Cheers.