ChrisM Posted July 19, 2019 Report Posted July 19, 2019 Hi All, I recently picked up a stunning set of daisho tsuba that are blue-papered (koshu tokubetsu kicho). As I look for the rest of the mountings (menuki, etc), it occurred to me - will mounting the tsuba into a koshirae damage them or otherwise detract in value? Do they have to be "filed down" or otherwise damaged to make them fit well? //Chris Quote
Robin Posted July 19, 2019 Report Posted July 19, 2019 Filing isn't a good idea. When you like to fit a tsuba better pick one that fits, or one with an oversized nakago ana and fill the gap with some sort of sekigane...without damaging the tsuba (or the blade). 2 Quote
Ganko Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 The Japanese have been refitting tsuba for hundreds of years. If you do make sure it is done by someone that knows what they are doing and won't do anything detrimental to it. 2 Quote
ChrisM Posted July 20, 2019 Author Report Posted July 20, 2019 I'll certainly have the work done by someone qualified, and I'm hoping it can be done cleanly w/o damaging anything. The idea of leaving these beautiful tsuba's in a display box - rather than "properly" mounted - is just wrong. //Chris Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 The only problem with mounting them in koshirae is how to look at the tsuba's fine details. 1 Quote
Vermithrax16 Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 One point of clarification: Are you thinking of mounting to an actual sword? If so, if the tsuba you like does not fit, it's going to be an issue. If just compiling a koshirae, the wooden tsunagi can be trimmed to fit easy, so no issue. "Fit Well" is a qualitative thing; to have a real set of koshirae made for an antique sword will require real craftsmen and modification of pieces, then wear as you mount it, unmount, swing etc. Corrosion depending on materials is a concern. If you have just the tosogu I would suggest getting the set of pieces you like put together and mounted on a tsunagi. Keep the blade, if you have one, in shirasaya. No one (I hope) will be cutting or riding off to battle anytime soon anyway 2 Quote
TETSUGENDO Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 Chris, Lots of sound advice, assembling a koshirae with tsunagi should satisfy your desire to see things mounted. But, contrary to your feelings, the best place to keep valuable pieces is safely tucked away in properly constructed storage boxes...simple handling can negatively impact their condition. -S- 3 Quote
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