FlorianB

That’s right generally, but I can imagine, that there were also warriors who chose more showy pieces because they could afford them and/or want to boast. Especially in pre-Edo times when social rules were not as strict as under the Tokugawa bakufu. Florian

For me it is the art itself, the combination of design and workmanship. In all those years I saw a lot of Tsuba and interestingly most of them don’t appeal to me. I flip through the dealer’s sites or look at the offerings at meetings, but only a handful catch my eye. If I buy pieces it is out of interest or for studies. But every few years there’s one which arouse the ambition to possess them in a flash. I can’t tell why, maybe they look perfect to me. Those I esteem especially. Best, Florian

Dan, the sawastika is called manji 卍, the pattern on the second one is called sayagata 紗綾形. There are many Tsuba with this auspicious pasttern. Here's one of mine with some kind of manji: Best, Florian

I know only round nanako grains. Maybe the remark refers to the arrangement itself? On Tsuba these are usually round, on Fuchi or Kozuka they are linear. Example I showed recently in another thread. Best, Florian

Who knows - maybe it's a start! Enjoy and learn, Best, Florian

Next time it seems wise to trust the suggestions of Your dealer. If the depicted blade is the content of Your sword it looks O.K.. Not much to be recognized on the pictures, but there seem to be no faults. I think it's Shinto but You said Showa-to...? Florian

I just wanted to know, if there are tagane which would explain the deformations of the nakago-ana. Incidentally I was thinking of a Tsuba for Gendaito (IF it is original). I wonder about the material. The seppa dai looks like brass, the plate itself like brownish copper… Florian

Have You got a photo from the backside? (of the Tsuba, not the paper ) Florian

Emil, this paper is by the dealer himself and thus his personal opinion. At least I’m not convinced by this statement. Florian

Emil, sorry for my straightforward judgement because now I saw You bought it already. There is no necessity to reveal this dealer, but maybe You can show the paper? Best, Florian

I’m not an expert, but it seems a chinese fake. At first glance the strange bean-shaped form of the hitsu-ana and the asymmetrical sides of the nakago ana look not right. I don't know neither the dealer nor the paper but I would recommend hands off. Florian

Thanks for this example. So it seems indeed an unusual design. Interestingly the Met Tsuba is in the Kyo Sukashi style like mine, too. So I dare the assumption that this type of myoga is specific to Kyo Tsuba. But the reason for this remains hidden. I want to clarify that the usually depicted Myoga (zingiber mioga) are the edible buds of this plant growing out of the rhizome. The blossom itself (on the left picture in between the stems) is shaped somewhat like an orchid. So I became confused, why there are those peculiar appendages. Florian

We know that myoga are a frequently found on tsuba. But on one of mine there’s a peculiar daki-myoga to be seen and in vain I tried to research similar ones for comparison. At the top there’s an appendage (probably blossoms). It seems not to be a kamon because I haven't found it in the usual compilations. Any suggestions? Thanks, Florian

A modest contibution of mine, a coastal scene with plovers. Shibuichi with details in shakudo, copper and gold. Probably late Edo. Florian

Peter, that seems to clarify it. Right from the start I recognized a „hidden“ or stylized centipede (and still I do) - a coincidence based on the long „tentacles“ and the bend form. Florian

Dale, Thank You for this information. Sorry for using the wrong word, I meant centipede of course. Interesting combination anyway. Florian

There’s another explanation that the matsukawa-bishi is actually derived from the fruits of water-caltrop, called "hishi" 菱. BTW: The matsukawa-bishi pattern is a very old design and could be found on textiles in the Shoso-in already. Best, Florian

A note about the Lotos Sutra Tsuba. It seems, that the Kanji form a caterpillar. Coincidental or is there a connection to the theme? Florian

Usually habaki are made of copper, often with silver or gold plating, sometimes shakudo is used. Yours look like copper, too. Maybe an alloy with iron or iron layer? FYI: Have a look at this thread: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/32583-cat-scratch-habaki/ with a lot of wonderful examples of habaki. Florian

Zachary, I think the Japanese dealer had the Chi-Rho-symbol of the early christianity in mind: However, without the curve at the top it means all and everything. Also I doubt this particular symbol could be connected with the Jesuits in Japan. We must have in mind, that the composition on many Tsuba simply plays with the horizontal, vertical and/or diagonal axes. Best, Florian

I think a lot of Tsuba advertised as „christian“ have none or only a doubtful connection to Christianity. But obviously it sells! Look at this „crosses“ and „Crown of Thorns“ : https://zentnercolle...of-tsuba-with-stand/ There are Tsuba with religious background, Kanji forming „Namu Amida Butsu“, religious items or holy persons are depicted, but on more abstract motives it is in the eye of viewer to recognize a religious interpretation. Best, Florian

Hi Steve, indeed there is no strikt rule for the width of a tang. In general it could be said, that a slender blade has a slender tang, a sturdy blade has a sturdy tang. So I persume that Tsuba was once fitted for a more elegant blade. I like this Tsuba, exactly my taste! On the left and right are myoga. The rectangels may be a reminiscence to an ancient design or perhaps are genji chapter mon. Best, Florian

I wonder why do You want to know? Are You afraid, You paid too much for Your piece? Or did You made a bargain and can’t believe it? At least - as it is was said different times here: The value is what someone pays for it. Best, Florian

Quality depends on different parameters, for example handling of the material, craftsmanship, state of preservation and to a certain degree the age. Age could explain and sometimes excuse blemishes on the piece. My advice to a beginner: Look at as many Tsuba as possible to learn. Best in hand, but good pictures will do also, today easily available online. Concerning Your Tsuba the workmanship is certainly not top quality. Whereas the vertical axis out of alignment was made intentionally and could be seen on many pieces, the rim and the sukashi openings lack diligence. However, it is an honest piece and nice study material. Enjoy it! Florian

There’s another point. If those sprinkles are martensite, the piece must have been hardened. But I learned that hardened Tsuba are brittle and could break so softer iron was in use. What is to make out of it? Florian