Determining patina

[Ken-Hawaii]

I have my newest two-bunny tsuba, & am scratching my head on the patina:

 

 

The raised flowers have a nice, shiny surface, but the partially-concealed sun is very dim. How do I determine whether that was the intent, or whether the current patina has just dulled that part of the surface? Ford?

[Tigerinbamboo]

Isn't that the moon, rather than the sun? Being lunar hares and all. ????

[Stephen]

Yes its the moon. Ken must have been sleeping in class that day.

[Ken-Hawaii]

What? Rabbits only eat at night? Must be a Japan thing.

[Guido]

I think it was intentional, the cross-hatching indicates nunomezōgan (which aditionally might have worn off a little).

[Ken-Hawaii]

You have really good eyes, Guido! I had to use my loupe to see the cross-hatching. Thanks for that lesson!

[Stephen]

Ken read the second post on the rabbit thread. The tale of Rabbit n moon.

Never heard of Rabbit n sun. It's a common theme. Ever see a Harvest moon?

Can be yellow to all most blood orange.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/24212-rabbits/

[Ken-Hawaii]

Yeah, after two years, I had forgotten that, Stephen. Thanks.

[Ed]

I agree with Guido, there is obvious loss to the nunome as the cross hatching is so prominent.  Very common as the process is fine gold/silver leaf is gently tapped into the cross-hatching.  A bit of soap and water might bring it out the color/shine a bit if it was intended to be brighter than it appears.  Careful though, did I mention only the cross-hatching is all there is holding the nunome in place.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Thanks for the warning, Ed. I think I'll keep it as-is.