Mino Goto Tsuba (And Introduction)

[Stephen]

here ya go

 

http://yakiba.com/Tsuba_CJ_Ironsukashi.htm

[xander zane]

Cool, i was wondering whether it was just my computer screen causing that effect. It is interesting to know it does it in hand aswell, maybe that is the intention the maker had, or possible a cool by product. 

 

(edit: and thanks for fixing the link)

[Ron STL]

It's rather a shame that when a tsuba in this condition comes along that we tend to consider it not much more than nothing. It's still somewhat of a teaching tool when you think about it. Abuse from wear happens, but it is still interesting to try and learn from what we see. Quality of nanako has brought out some great comparisons of quality. I find it interesting that the nanako on the tsuba is mad in vertical lines as opposed to a circular pattern. I've always considered that being done on earlier works instead of later Edo works. Another thing that stands out to me are the very bold punchings around the nakago-ana much like you see on some Higo kinko. The Goto made tsuba like this but this one doesn't seem to fit Goto; not Goto quality. The missing mon also show how these mon were affixed to the tsuba. Tsuba of this type often have some attached mon missing. Just rambling a little on this, but if one is just learning about tsuba, there are things to be learned from this poor, abused tsuba. Two Hundred, maybe more years are a long time to survive unabused. Ron STL 

[xander zane]

My sentiments exactly, i have learnt a lot from this piece. 

[rkg]

I believe Ron is correct in pointing this out.  Thanks for being the voice of Reason :-)

 

You actually can learn something from most every piece.  I posted some images not too long ago of a BTS ko-umetada piece - Apparently nobody at the show gave it a second look so I got it for not much cash, but its fascinating to me because 1) the piece was used a fair amount while still being cared for (that whole aesthetic kind of grows on you), and 2)it displays the characteristics of pieces attributed to that group (the way it was constructed/finished, the composition, how the nunome was done on the brass, etc).

 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.892783374110345.1073741853.266005023454853&type=3

 

Best,

 

rkg

(Richard George)