Curious About These Tsuba

[Stone8]

Hello!!

I am planning on buying tsuba from an American seller, but am not really sure if they are worthwhile... here is the first one (sorry about the low resolution; I’m waiting for better pictures from the seller):

 

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/98/50/0c/98500c3b0e30bbbb61479e8f240caf77.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ab/c4/34/abc4342adf2e1b362c5e509e8337a290.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ee/c0/8c/eec08c1e21c30b031975f46a2f44150f.jpg

 

Thanks,

Guillermo

[Stone8]

This is the second tsuba:

 

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d2/f7/19/d2f719730d3fd836a6adb69c298f6677.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b8/11/20/b8112084dd8dde543ae82fbcabedf56f.jpg

[Vermithrax16]

I would plan on something else Guillermo. Grab some books and look at examples of works you like. Then buy.

[Stone8]

Thanks, Jeremiah!!

In fact, that is exactly what I’m doing... but experience comes by slowly, so I thought I’d ask before going all-over for the next tsuba that comes my way or catches my eye.

Regards!

[Stone8]

Fact is, I kind of liked the first one... I think I’ll buy it anyhow.

Thanks!!

[Brian]

If it's $100 or under...why not. But if a lot more, you can do far better here on the forum.

[kissakai]

Think again about buying these!

If you want the odd tsuba then maybe OK but if you are starting a collection they (in my opinion) be not be 'keepers'

[Stone8]

Thank you, Brian and Grev!!

Of course I know that a starting piece is just for starters... I also like when I see interesting things that are not common, even if they aren’t valuable. I started here recently and was looking for some help to complete a particular koshirae for a katana I own, as I have no expertise in tosogu or any of the different schools. I have found out, however, that there is a world of knowledge and artistry behind every tsuba, and am getting interested in collecting as well.

Maybe you can point out some good reference material for me to read up on the subject of Japanese fittings? I am taking my time looking for the appropriate koshirae for this sword, because as you know, blades have character and call for certain themes and colors in koshirae, and look mismatched when you aren’t careful picking them out.