Tsuba surface

[andreYes]

I'm just a novice in this theme, so maybe it's a silly question...

 

The kind of surface like on the photos - is it a result of destruction of iron by rust or it was like this initially?

 

 

[Bungo]

need pic of whole tsuba, don't want to interpret things " out of context ".......

 

milt

[andreYes]

Here is the wole tsuba:

 

 

[Grey Doffin]

A bit of each, I'd say.

Grey

[Bungo]

should be light hammer work all over but now due to rust makes it more " bumpy "

 

that's my guess.

 

milt

[andreYes]

Thank you!

[andreYes]

By the way, could somebody tell anything about this tsuba?

The only information I have from its seller - it's dated the beginning of 19th century.

I'll be grateful for any comments.

[Henry Wilson]

The theme seems to be plum blossoms that flower early spring. It would be a nice tsuba if it was not for the rusty brown bits. It could be Nara school but saying that, the above info should be checked by some one as I tend to shoot wide with my calls.

[Bungo]

Nara is a good call..... I think

It would look better cleaned up a little with ivory chip + light choji oil to check patina and progress.

 

milt

[andreYes]

Thank you again!

 

I've just begun to clean it with a bone (I haven't managed to find suitable ivory yet).

[Henry Wilson]

Dried bamboo works too I think. If you can get a hold of some.

[John A Stuart]

I am still wary of oiling fitting of iron. Torigoye san says it is not good. It seems wax (ibota) is becoming more common and alters appearance. John

[Bungo]

I am still wary of oiling fitting of iron. Torigoye san says it is not good. It seems wax (ibota) is becoming more common and alters appearance. John

 

not talking about oiling it like coating it thoroughly...just a small drop to clean off the red rust " dust " to check the underlying patina. I don't think it'll do harm.

 

milt

[andreYes]

I've finished to clean this tsuba. Now it looks like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you all for good advices.

 

Dried bamboo is really good for taking off red rust. Especially if you need to reach "hidden places".

And choji oil is also very useful.

[John A Stuart]

Andrey, It looks a 100% better. John

[Bungo]

 

 

milt