terry8441 Posted March 21, 2014 Report Posted March 21, 2014 Hello all, new guy here. I bought this tsuba at an estate sale a few years ago. I stumbled across this forum last night and I'm hoping that you all may be able to help me identify the what, where, when of its origins. Thanks very much for any insight. Terry Quote
kaigunair Posted March 21, 2014 Report Posted March 21, 2014 Welcome. Looks to be a late edo piece. Nice that the ground is iron with brass or possibly copper inlay. Theme seems familiar, but can't recall specifics at the moment. Two warriors fighting / grappling in a pine garden. Skill level wise, on the lower spectrum. But I'd guess genuine and not a Chinese repro. Quote
John A Stuart Posted March 21, 2014 Report Posted March 21, 2014 It looks like Raijin, the figure on the right with Fujin on the left. No straw rain hat in this depiction, but, note the hair. I do not know who he has tromped upon. John Quote
Marius Posted March 21, 2014 Report Posted March 21, 2014 John, Raijin is on the left, beating his drums to summon thunder. Quote
John A Stuart Posted March 21, 2014 Report Posted March 21, 2014 Reminds me of what Seattle did to Denver this year. The fellow on the deck looks like an American football player. John Quote
kaigunair Posted March 21, 2014 Report Posted March 21, 2014 ,joking aside, I believe I saw this theme on an iron tsuba on the nihonto.com site a while back. Was listed in the "most expensive" D-category; had two warriors grappling, with the ura side depicting a garden (stone pestle if I recall). Since it sold, doesn't seem to be listed any longer. Was by a Yoshi*? Can't find pictures but maybe someone saved some reference pics... The one on nihonto.com was levels higher in quality and workmanship, but again, I think this indicates this theme might be from a famous story/fight. Edit: thanks to a tip from Barry, found the info on the Tsuba I was describing : Musashibo Benkei and Yoshitsune Quote
terry8441 Posted March 22, 2014 Author Report Posted March 22, 2014 Thanks very much so far for the help and information - keep it coming. As I am extraordinarily new to the forum all the terminology and references are a bit over my head. But I'm looking forward to learning more and more. Any materials you would refer a newbie to is also appreciated. Quote
Antti Posted March 23, 2014 Report Posted March 23, 2014 Welcome Terry. Recommended books about tsuba: http://home.earthlink.net/~jggilbert/reading.htm Recommended books about Japanese swords in general: http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/faq.html (see "What books...") The link section including shops/clubs/info pages: http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/links.html These should get you started! Btw, I was going to recommend Stein's website for starters, but I cannot seem to be able to access it? Has it been taken down? Quote
kaigunair Posted March 23, 2014 Report Posted March 23, 2014 Btw, I was going to recommend Stein's website for starters, but I cannot seem to be able to access it? Has it been taken down? its now being hosted by Brian! It is listed in the links -> information http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/nihonto.htm Quote
Soshin Posted March 23, 2014 Report Posted March 23, 2014 Hi Terry Mc, Good to see that you made it onto NMB. Thanks for contacting me via my website. Since I can see the tsuba in question I can start to do some research but having some high resolution photos would be very helpful along with a full set of measurements as I discussed via email. P.S. I think Junichi is correct. The design doesn't look like Raijin in my opinion. Quote
Antti Posted March 23, 2014 Report Posted March 23, 2014 Ah thank you Junichi! I already thought it was lost. Quote
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