Owari or Kyo-Sukashi

[Akitombo]

Hi all,

 

Would this tsuba slot into Owari or Kyu-Sukashi?

2.39 x 2.52 inch dia.

o.165 inch thick

 

David

[ROKUJURO]

David,

 

perhaps if you provided some more photos it would be easier to help.

 

What is the shape/cross section of the MIMI? Is that corrosion in tiny spots I see on the surface?

 

My first impression is: not KYO SUKASHI and probably not OWARI, but I am often wrong.

[Soshin]

Hi David,

 

More photos would be helpful specificly of the rim. From the shape of seppa-dai I am thinking Shoami but more and better photos are required.

[Akitombo]

Hope these help...

David

[Soshin]

Hi David,

 

With the rounded rim, thickness less then ~5.0 mm, and the narrowness of the seppa-dai I think you have a nice Shoami tsuba in good taste. Likely made circa the Middle part of the Edo Period. Approximately dating from 1670-1770. This is just my opinion take it or leave it. Akasaka tsuba also have narrow seppa-dai but the openwork is cut sharply and are often thinner.

[Akitombo]

Thank you David,

 

It is strange, but I had this design in the back of my mind as Kyo-sukashi.

 

Thought it was a little too fine for Shoami.

 

But we live and learn, that is the joy of this site.

 

David

[Soshin]

Hi David,

 

Often the designs themselves are copied from school to school. It is often better to focus on the characteristics and patterns of the workmanship. There are many fine openwork tsuba made by the Shoami schools. Here is an example on my website: http://www.tsubaotaku.com/#!Kyo-Shoami-Tsuba-/zoom/c211q/imageakw. My tsuba is from the mainline Shoami school located in Kyoto. Every Shoami tsuba I have seen with upper level papers by the NBTHK or NTHK has been nice. I remember seeing a really fine openwork Shoami tsuba with Tokubetsu Hozon papers on of all places eBay.