Tsuba Papers Prev. Posted 8/10/18 Under Gen Nihonto

[edzo]

Looking at Tsuba being offered for sale. Attempted to translate signature but after concluding Munechicka was wrong and finding a sig Somin/Kao, I think it may be a potential big name. My research has led me to Yokoya Somin but I turned up little in this technique of workmanship except for an 18th cent piece in the Peabody Museum Salem MA. Those that responded to my post asked to post a photo however, I felt that this would be a more appropriate place to post.

 

I have been unable to translate the cartouche characters on a gold background which I am sure would help and makes me think its a  qualifier of sorts of the local, date and artist.

 

The second thing that raises my interest are the stamp markings on the sekigane of both sides or the item almost suggesting a deliberate effort & certification by the artist? The condition of the tsuba appears good and not abused. I am waiting hopefully, for tis to be sent so that I can examine in hand for obvious reasons.

 

The attached photos are from photo copies. Am hoping for a translation and confirmation of my thinking as well as if the item may warrant papering. 

 

Thank You in advance respectfully, EdF

[TETSUGENDO]

Edward,

 

Good looking tsuba but, in my opinion, not what it is pretending to be. Since it has the signature and kao of "The SOMIN" it is a fake, or perhaps an homage most likely made in the last third of the 19th century.  If you are looking for the real thing save your money.

 

-S-

[edzo]

Thanks Steve, my suspicion was that it looked to be 19th century that I believe is too late. I did read that the master "Somin" sig was at least used by 4 of his students. I am still curious as to the reading in the gold cartouhe if it is convenient or anyone else that may know.

 

Thank you very much, EdF

[kyushukairu]

Edward, the brass inlay appears to state that the image is by Itcho Hanabusa (英一蝶図) - who influenced Yokoya Somin to develop his katakiri-bori technique.
I had a look in Sesko's meikan and the kao is very close to Somin's. However, since your images appear to be photos of an image which has been printed on paper, it's difficult to determine the quality of the tsuba itself.
As Steven notes, it doesn't look like a typical Somin, and if it wasn't signed, I would have suggested that it was from the Nara school.

[edzo]

Thanks for your time and contribution. You are correct these are photos I copied because the owners live in Latvia at this time. They want to sell their collection. I explained I would be interest but require the items in-hand to make a complete assessment. Friday they husband and wife responded they would be willing to send the items. 

 

I agree with your translation. I was not aware at the time tsuba are pronounced using the Japanese reading. I compared the Somin Kao sig to one in the MFA Boston collection but it was Katakiri bori style which confused me even more. The photo I sent was inadequate so I've attached the intended photo.

[edzo]

Thanks for your time and contribution. You are correct these are photos I copied because the owners live in Latvia at this time. They want to sell their collection. I explained I would be interest but require the items in-hand to make a complete assessment. Friday they husband and wife responded they would be willing to send the items. 

 

I agree with your translation. I was not aware at the time tsuba are pronounced using the Japanese reading. I compared the Somin Kao sig to one in the MFA Boston collection but it was Katakiri bori style which confused me even more. The photo I sent was inadequate so I've attached the intended photo.

[Nikanoru]

This is Somin and yes he made it after the painting of Hanabusa Itcho "Shirabyoshi Dancer in Asazuma-bune".

This tsuba is made of two different metals for omote and ura and "fused" together.

Somin did a lot of works, not only in katakiri, look in Somin to Sono Ichimon.

Sorry, Edward 

[TETSUGENDO]

Yes, Somin worked in various techniques.  If this is his work he was having a very off day, it is full of awkward passages and poorly associated design elements, IMO not his work or signature.  Edward, you mentioned papering this piece, if the seller guarantees the piece and papering it is worth a go....if not pass.  Ultimately, without papers authorship is nothing more than conjecture.

 

-S-