First Post in Several Years and First Tsuba

[GregN]

Hi all, I haven't posted in several years and am looking forward to becoming an active participant in the Forum. I've been able to acquire several blades and complete non-military swords in the last year and as I begin to process the immense amount of information on within the forum - it is a daunting task. The first tsuba I have to post comes off a large katana which I've sent to Fred Lohman for a refurbishment. I think this first image is the top of the tsuba as it has more rust to this surface. I've gently washed the surface and applied some Choi oil. I welcome any comments as to age, school etc.

 

Regards,

 

Greg

[GregN]

Here is the other side of the tsuba. The yellow metal appear to be gold and is lapped over the edge of the tsuba. The sword itself was incredibly dirty, the previous owner being basically a hoarder and once acquired did nothing to conserve the sword.

[GregN]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone can tell me how old this tsuba might be? Any information would be most welcome.

 

Greg

[John A Stuart]

Heianjo-zogan, maybe Momoyama. I would think your gold is in fact shinchu (brass). Missing atogane and very rusty indeed. John

[GregN]

Thank you for the reply John. I've Googled specific words in reply and think atogane translates to inlay in English? Condition is an issue and I've read several post and websites on how to care for tsuba - less is best and take you time, think about what you are attempting before you make things worse.

 

I find tsuba study quite addictive, time to buy some books and find a local collector to help guide me.

 

Thanks you again,

 

Greg

[Soshin]

Hi Greg N.,

 

I would look for a local or semi-local Japanese sword study group or club. There are often people there that also have a interest or knowledge about tsuba or tosogu in general. There might even be a few people that focus on collecting tosogu. Just trying to be helpful.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[GregN]

Thanks David, the Vancouver Token Society is defunct at the moment but several of the members I see once a month in the gun show circuit so I reach out to them and see where that leads me.

 

Greg

[MauroP]

Hi Greg,

I think John was referring to a missing ategane (当金) i.e. an insert of soft metal to prevent scratching of kozuka or kōgai. The generic word for inlay is zōgan (象嵌).

Bye, Mauro

[GregN]

Thanks Mauro for the correction, I didn't even notice! There are several areas where the zogan is missing or pulled away. I've also added the reverse of the tsuba and it appears in my 2nd I only post a different orientation. Sorry. BTW is there a lexicon where I can use the correct letters, accents and symbols in my posts?

 

Greg