Approximate Tsuba Age

[Steves87]

Hello, I have had these Tsuba for a short time and I have been searching through my limited resources for an estimate of time period (and maybe a potential maker as a side peice of info), Im guessing they are somewhat 'recently' made, but cant be sure and I cannot say ive seen similar examples of either.

They may not be considered desirable and the condition of them are not all there, but I like them as is.

I hope someone can please give some insight.

This is my first official thread, so I apologise in advance if I have not followed a correct procedure.

Thank you,

Stephen

 

 

 

 

[Soshin]

Hello Stephen K.,

 

Both tsuba appear from the photos provided to be made during the late Edo Period (~1770 to 1868 CE) to around early Meiji Period (~1868-1875 CE).  A more exact date isn't possible as they are both unsigned and therefore my age assessment is based upon the style and workmanship.  I hope you find this information helpful.  Check out my website Tsuba Otaku (www.tsubaotaku.com) to learn many more about the wonderful world of tsuba and their artistry.  Thank you.     

[vajo]

I would go with late Edo (19th century). Both tsuba looks like not mounted but rubbed. I missed some details. The shishi dog looks very clean and the gold looks like painted? The motif is often seen on kinko tsuba. Overall no bad tsuba. 

 

After looking twice i say mid Edo period. If they where not rubbed they would look much better. Oil the iron slightly with choji oil. The patina will come back. But don't clean it.

[Steves87]

Thank you David and Chris for your time estimates, that is pretty much exactly what I was after. I apologise for the photo quality, I’m currently in the process of experimenting with photos and lighting, hopefully I can get a good ‘go to’ lighting setting.

 

David, I will most definitely have a good look through the link provided. I’m on a steep learning curve at the moment and I’m trying to take on everything I can.

Chris, I am curious about the meaning of ‘rubbed’? Is it litterally that the Tsuba has been rubbed, say, to get rid of rust or create a patina of sorts?

Thank you once again

[vajo]

I mean with rubbed the gold is away from the shishi dog and the peony flowers. The same in the lower tsuba. Maybe the copper was patinated, the patination is away.

[Steves87]

Also, I am wondering about the Shishi Tsuba, should the Shishi dog be black (shakudo?) with gold dots, or should it have been gold plated, like the flowers are (hard to see from photos)

Thank you

 

Edit- sorry just saw your reply

[TETSUGENDO]

Hi Stephen,

 

As Chris mentioned the original patination is gone, whether from rubbing or cleaning.  On close examination of the Karashishi, it looks as if it was originally patinated... as evidenced by the remaining gold dots.

 

Cheers,

    -S-

[Soshin]

Hello Stephen,

I took another look at your two tsuba. I would still say late Edo Period to early Meiji Period before 1875 CE.

(Edit admin)

[Steves87]

Thank you David, I have had a look through your site, very smooth and a very nice feel, keep up the great work, when I am next in the position to aquire a piece or two, I will definitely be going through your site. The Shishi fuchi-kashira have raised an eyebrow of interest

[raynor]

Hi Stephen, what are the dimensions of your tsubas? They very much look similar to one I have, also likely mid or late hammered Edo work, with the inlay gold rubbed or over cleaned previously.

 

[Steves87]

Hi Raynor, yes I can see some similarities in work!

The dimemsions are approx 72mm x 66mm x 4.5mm thick