Theme Of Tsuba Help Needed

[Taz575]

I got a katana from Andy and am trying to figure out the theme to look for menuki and fuchi/kashira pieces that go along with it since I want to replace the WW2 fittings with civilian ones and do a new tsuka/saya:

 

Pic is from Andy's website:

 

Is that a lantern or basket in the lower right corner?

[Tanto54]

Hi Tim,

 

It's a rattan/bamboo bird cage (and the bird has "flown the coop").

 

This Tsuba certainly refers to a famous old song "Kagome Kagome" (see words below).  One of the very strong clues is the shape of the weaving of the basket on your Tsuba which results in hexagonal spaces or "kagome" in Japanese.  But "kagome" also has other meanings like "a caged bird".  Therefore, with the birdcage, hexagonal shaped holes and fleeing bird, this Tsuba must allude to this song/theme.  You can research the "Kagome Kagome" song on the Internet for its deeper meaning (Samurai, strategy, sword fighting, pregnant women, etc...) and then select other appropriate kodogu.  (What's on the other side?)

 

Kagome kagome

The bird in the basket/cage,

When, oh when will it come out

In the night of dawn

The crane and turtle slipped

Who is behind you now?

[Taz575]

Lol, thanks!!

[Taz575]

Oh, like Kagome from InuYashu  Anime? Back side doesn't show much. This is a pic fron Andy's site: http://www.nihonto.us/ramon%20three%20054.JPG

I was thinking of a fuchi/kashira of a bamboo weave basket and then some birds on a branch menuki, (like the bird got freed on the tsuba and is now out of the cage on the tsuka and the basket is empty) but I am going to look more into the story to fit other pieces into it. Black saya and dark blue silk ito would go well with this theme, esp. the night of dawn part and will match up with my first wakizashi I had the handle redone. That has some pine and stars/moon themes to the fittings and persimmon menuki.

[Taz575]

Would something like these fit the theme?

 

Fuchi/kashira:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Copper-Iron-Fuchi-Kashira-Fuchikashira-Sword-Antique-Look-Gold-Bird-/252538989570?hash=item3acc7f2c02:g:tiMAAOSwymxVOjy6

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-TSUBA-Kozuka-Kashira-Katana-Menuki-antique-basket-ct02-/272246067962?hash=item3f632152fa:g:oWEAAOSwxehXO09Z

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-TSUBA-Kozuka-Kashira-Katana-Menuki-antique-Turtle-matte-silver-ct02-/272247677833?hash=item3f6339e389:g:QkIAAOSwxehXPTcJ

 

Is this crane/turtle?: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-TSUBA-Kashira-Katana-Menuki-antique-Enatama-ct02-/272202051503?hash=item3f6081afaf:g:SC8AAOSwAvJXBJ84

 

Menuki:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-TSUBA-Kozuka-Kashira-Katana-Menuki-Birds-On-a-Branch-/391537527770?hash=item5b29748bda:g:Ku4AAOSwdzVXpMDM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Kozuka-Kashira-Katana-Menuki-antique-Bird-branch-ct02-/282018102351?hash=item41a996bc4f:g:cogAAOSwO~hXH6x0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Kozuka-Kashira-Katana-Menuki-antique-bird2-ct02-/272217305333?hash=item3f616a70f5:g:OREAAOSwIUNXFkWr

[Stephen]

Tim 

 

you know all the F/K  shown are new right

[Taz575]

Yes; as long as they are better/heavier than tin foil feeling stuff like on my T10 Chinese wakizashi, I am ok with that.  With new stuff, I have more options to match the theme and keep it affordable. 

 

Where are some places that make modern menuki/fuchi/kashira that are decent quality?  Not looking for investment/high grade stuff, but not looking for cheap stamped tin foil type stuff, either.

[Tanto54]

Dear Tim,

 

I personally like the crane & turtle approach because it ties the tosogu together in a cryptic manner (and gives you a good story to tell).

 

Not to put words in Stephen's mouth (he has enough of his own...  he's a brother Marine, so I hope he doesn't mind me talking $%*!@ about him), but I think he is trying to give you very good advice.  With a little diligence you should be able to find authentic, antique kodogu for the same price as that mass produced modern stuff.  In light of the expense of getting it mounted, wrapped, etc., in the long run, I think you'll be much happier.

 

Of course, my comments about "mass produced modern stuff" does not apply to the great tosogu artists who grace the NMB (if you can ever acquire any of their work, you will be very fortunate).

[Taz575]

Ok, I will keep an eye out for the antique stuff; most of what I have seen is between $400-800 for fuchi/kashira sets for the antiques.  Good to know I can find good antiques for less!

[Taz575]

Ordered these Fuchi Kashira today!  http://www.edoantiques.com/index.php?id_product=637&controller=product&id_lang=1

[Stephen]

Looks good should work well on your sword