FlorianB

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

Hi, it’s a nice Wakizashi-Tsuba for beginners and I agree with the mid-/late-Edo attribution. Concerning the motif I’m not sure if it refers to a buddhistic custom to buy catched birds and set them free. It seems to consist of iron and the technique used is called "nunome", i.e. gold foil is applied to the surface. You can see criss-cross roughenings in the ground so the gold can stick on it. Alas this gold could be abraded by careless handling what would explain the missing parts in the cage. The soft metal inlets in the tang hole are called "sekigane" and are used to hold the Tsuba tight on the tang. The tang hole ("nakago ana") was usually produced in a certain size, but specifications to a particular sword tang has to be done later by hammering the sides to narrow it or filling the gaps with soft metals usually copper. In Your specimen the position of the sekigane hint to a small tang, probably a dagger. Best, Florian

Thank You, Geraint. Good hint, this could be the solution. Easy to see, hard to photograph. Couldn’t get the sparkling correctly. But next try. Maybe those will clarify. Florian

Owari would be my guess, too. However, that’s what the paper says: But folks, PLEASE! Take it as it is. Not that vexed discussion about papers again! DON'T! Florian

Hi Jean, here are some shots of the complete piece, however I haven’t managed to get better close-ups because of the lack of professional photo equipment. But I try again. The above close-ups show the curves at the bottom. Best, Florian

Thank You for the input. It's an older piece, so patination should be old, too. At least it needs further investigation. Florian

I understand that tekkotsu appears in the rim area and consists of granular or linear embossed elements. In this case here we have flat dots all over the plate, which are gleaming in angular light, but are black in normal view. Florian

Hello all, examining one of my Tsuba I recognized tiny bright spots if light falls on them aslope. Those are scattered irregularly all over the surface. Sorry for the mediocre quality of my shot, but I hope You get the idea. Another picture of the same area in a steeper angel for comparison shows that these spots are no abrasions. Seeing such sprinkles on a blade I would call them „nie“, but on Tsuba, too? I haven’t seen this before. And does it tell something about the material or working process? Best, Florian

Hi Colin, it was just an idea. Indeed I haven’t considered the former value of these materials as Jean mentioned. BTW: Have there been models at all? Best, Florian

In my eyes the piece seems to be mere a model. Best, Florian

Please take into account that knowledge about Tsuba and their motives were very limited in 1922. There are several similar mistakes and misinterpretations in other catalogues at these times as well. BTW: A Tsuba (seen on guiseppepiva.com) reminded me to an „Oktoberfest“-motif several years ago. Cheers! Florian