Copper Tsuba

[roger dundas]

This tsuba was described when purchased as "ISHIKAWA MASATERU" polished copper with an engraved dragon.  My query to the forum is on the burnishing or discolouration which is heavier on one side than the other.  Is the finish original or partially lost over time?

Any information on the maker would be most welcome.

Size 77 x 71 x 5mm

Many thanks

Roger Dundas, Victoria

[Alex A]

Hi Roger, to my eye, hard to be certain as copper can get all kinds of coloured staining, but im thinking its remnant lacquer, but might be wrong.

 

If so, would not bother me.

 

If your talking about the visible copper patina, cleaning, handling, weathering etc will have an effect over time, one side more than the other.

[Steves87]

It looks a lot like a potash style patina, that can flake off and give different degrees of blackening. As a beginner into Tsuba, Id guess not original?

[vajo]

I like your tsuba with that kebori. It must be cleaned and new patinated. 

 

[Ken-Hawaii]

Kind of hard to tell whether the black areas were original, or just something that got on the tsuba over time. I agree with Chris that it needs to be cleaned & repatinated, after you decide which one you prefer. I'd ask Ford for an opinion.