Help please with Kanji on Tsuba box lid

[Mark Andrews]

Greetings all, I bought this tsuba from Japan ( maybe a repro ? ) . On the box it has ink Kanji . I can't make sence of it except the name ittu kansai ???? , anyway if any other fellow tsuba collector can help that would be great, Thank you ....

 

Cheer's,

 

Mark.

[Grey Doffin]

The tsuba looks cast to me; sorry.

Grey

[Soshin]

Hi Mark,

 

I would need to agree with Grey the tsuba looks like a cast reproduction. I also have never seen writing on a box like that. Sorry about being a bringer of bad news.

[Brian]

The writing is well done, and matches what's on the tsuba. Maybe a souvenir or replica...Can we see one or 2 overall pics of the tsuba?

 

Brian

[docliss]

Are we perhaps, as a group, rather too hasty to label a tsuba as ‘cast’ from a single, not very good photographic image? I, personally, would like to see some better images, together with a translation of the mei and the hakogaki before casting a stone.

 

John L.

[Mark Andrews]

Hello Grey/David/Brian & John.

 

Thank you guys for your input. I bought the tsuba? because of the theme of Edo tiger and dragon. I think Brian, maybe on the right track with regards it being just a keep sake or gift. I will place other pics on when I get my camera back which is on loan at present. I would still like to know the kanji meaning though on the lid. If anyone else can read the kanji it would be appreciated thank you. All the best.....

 

Cheer's,

 

Mark.

[Curran]

Don't quote me:

 

Rough read: "Kazukazu" or "Ichikazu" ?

Actual: I forget how it is rendered as an artists name.

 

I've run across it before as the gimei signature on an otherwise beautiful tsuba in a museum. Gave me quite the challenge at the time to track it down.

From *distant* memory, fellow is recognized enough that I had examples of shoshin on file somewere. Maybe Wakayama. Maybe Baur.

Late late edo maker.

 

Given the lack of precision in the signature, I'd go along with you all that have deigned it a souvenir or poker token piece.

[Mark Andrews]

Hello Curran, thank you for the information, I will google your info and see what turns up. It will make a great paper weight on my desk anyway

 

 

Cheer's,

 

Mark.