Legit Tsuba?

Verity · December 17, 2013

Hi guys,

I am somewhat new to collecting and wanted to get your thoughts on this tsuba?

signed Umetada... Do you think it is a cast copy or genuine?

I am interested in hearing the rationale behind your votes.

Thanks for the guidance!

Regards,

Adam D.

Thierry BERNARD · December 17, 2013

100% fake chinese copy

Verity · December 17, 2013

Thanks, Thierry!

Can you elaborate as to what leads you to that judgment? I am trying to learn to discern.

What first made me suspicious was the mei. It doesn't seem as crisp as it should.

I would appreciate what things you spotted.

Regards,

Adam D.

Marius · December 17, 2013

hint1: what metal (alloy) is it made of? Is that iron? copper? brass? or rather something else? look at the pores in the metal

hint2: can you see how the gilding was done? Do you see the splatters? Does that look like good workmanship to you?

hint3: carving: are those flowers really carved?

advice: look at some real tsuba, buy some books. You'll get the hang of it very quickly

Jean · December 17, 2013

Adam,

The question is rather:

Why do you think it could have been an Umetada tsuba?

https://www.scholarsresource.com/browse ... 2142569608

kusunokimasahige · December 18, 2013

Adam, its clearly cast.

KM

Peter Bleed · December 18, 2013

All the surfaces of this thing are slightly concave. This indicates that it was cast. As the metal (whatever it might be) cooled , it drew in. Look at all the surfaces. They are all slightly concave. Clear indication of casting

Oh, I should also say that it looks like crap, too.

Peter

Alex A · December 18, 2013

Definitely one of low quality copies, they have a look about them, "monkey metal", is the term i would use. If these had been around in the warring states period, Samurai would have needed eye protection from a huge increase in flying shrapnel.