Newbie's First Tsuba

[doc-detroit1]

I just received my first tsuba and cannot find any information on the artist or school except for the data provided in the auction description, which was:

• Mei: Hidetatsudo Toshiyasu
• Length: 7.24cm (2,85") x 6.44cm (2.53")
• Thickness at rim: .50cm (.19")
• Era: Edo
• Weight : 160g
• Features: Round shintyu plate with Li Bai (Chinese poet, wanderer and drunk)

Any additional info would be greatly appreciated. Best regards and thank you, Bill

[ROKUJURO]

Bill,

you have some data in the NBTHK HOZON paper. Detailed information on the artist may only be found in special literature. Considering the colour of the metal, the plate probably isn't SHINCHU (brass), but looks more like YAMAGANE (raw copper), but that may be the photo. 

[doc-detroit1]

Jean,

Thank you for the response. I tend to agree with you on the base metal. I do not know for certain, but the patina strikes me as one on a copper base.

Thanks again, Bill

[MauroP]

Well, the origami actually says shinchū-migaki-ji...

[kissakai]

It is not in the Haynes Index or Sesko's books

[Stephen]

Lovely tsuba. What im looking to collect.

[lotus]

Can anyone read the school attribution for it? I tried but was not able to figure it out.

[Shugyosha]

Hi Patrick,

 

There isn't a school attribution for it. The theme is the Chinese poet Li Po - after that the paper just gives the signature and a description of the manufacture. Here's a bit about Li Po:

 

https://www.geni.com/people/Li-Po-%E6%9D%8E%E7%99%BD-98-65G/6000000007512818128

 

Bill - looks like you've made a pretty good start.

 

Best,

John

[Greg F]

Thats a great tsuba to have as your first.

 

Greg

[Kurikata]

Some elements as the pine tree in kata kiri makes me feel this tsuba has an Hamano school inflence.....

[vajo]

Is it me or it looks not like other Japanese work. The carvings, the face, the scene and so on. Its Japanese, but it looks different.

[doc-detroit1]

Bruno, thank you for the Hamano school lead. I am going to do a little research in the few references I have. And Chris, I know what you mean about the face and subject. The face looks almost like a portrait rather than the simpler figures I've seen in other tsubas. Also the relief in the carving of the streams seems unique- showing great detail and giving the feeling of depth. To me, a complete novice, the artist seems to have been exceptional. I am surprised I cannot find something more about him.