MATCHLOCK and Tsuba

[BIG]

Hi all,

 

find a nice example, but it seems it's Not a Common Theme.

 

http://new.uniquejapan.com/a-daimyo-fam ... hi-katana/

 

 

Best Regards

[Geraint]

Hi Peter.

 

No one seems keen to comment so here goes. You are right, tanegashima on sword fittings seem rare, I can recall one tsuba and a few fuchi that I have seen.

Your eyesight must be good to see that as a tanegashima, given the blurred detail. No disrespect to Pablo but I note that he does not mention the tsuba in his description of the sword and while I am conscious that it is too easy to call "cast" from a photo the quality, or lack of it, of this tsuba and the feeling of the seppa dai make me wonder.

 

If I can remember where I saw the others I will scan them for you later.

 

All the best.

[watsonmil]

Dear Peter & Geraint,

I have grave doubts about this tsuba depicting a Tanegashima. Even given Artistic License, ... unless the tsuba is signed Picasso that the object depicted is a firearm. The wrapping on the handle ( barrel ?? ) appears more like one might find on a broom. I don't recognize the theme, ... just my opinion.

... Ron Watson

[Kai-Gunto]

An enemy on a retrete with his sword handle in down position.

He looks Korean.

I think Its a scabbard.

[Peter Bleed]

I am not sure of what the image is presenting, but it sure looks to me like a cast tsuba.

Peter

[DanC]

Is it common to transpose the same scene on the front and back of a tsuba? The arm of the guy on the stairs goes through the tsuba to the back to show holding a sack over his shoulder?