First Tsuba - Tiger in bamboo

[cju777]

Hey Tosogu group-

 

First tsuba I got on its ow n merits , I do have one other that came with koshirae this group helped me to identify awhile back. I normally stick to blades to avoid another area of appreciation (or money drain , heh).  I always wanted a tiger piece and picked up this tsuba off Mr. Quirt while sword browsing. I have only a couple tosogu references, is this the kind of piece a school can be narrowed down to? Details from the listing were: early Momoyama or Muromachi, 7.65 cm x 7.436 cm x 5.24 at the mimi  the plate itself is approximately  2.5 cm. It's a nice piece in hand to take a look at, especially in good sunlight.

 

Cheers!

[Spartancrest]

Hi Chris,  At first glance there looked like casting marks around the rim - but on closer inspection I noticed the fukurin, nicely done at that, lighting is always a problem especially with old eyes. The crimping matches the iron rim, I bet it sets off the rest of the guard in sun light, I can't give a school but it looks some age and the skill level is excellent. Good find !

[Ford Hallam]

I would suggest a later date for the decorative work. Kata-kiri style cutting, the tiger's stripes, bamboo leaves etc, developed around the first quarter of the 18th century, ie; 1725 ish. Centred on the Yokoya school.

[cju777]

Thanks for your feedback. Forgot that things can be added to tsuba over time, makes for an interesting history. Forgive me if its a common question here, how do tosogu shinsa account for such changes over the life of a piece? I was considering putting it in when I send a few blades to the NBTHK post-COVID postal concerns since I'll have something out anyways. Just to see what they have to say since I don't have a background in tsuba work but if it isn't worth the trouble then I will enjoy as is. 

 

Tried to use some sunlight for better detail shots... not sure if it helped. I'll need to search the forum so some threads on care.

[Geraint]

Dear Chris.

 

A short while ago there was a thread discussing a tsuba that was for sale online.  The tsuba was papered but stated that the decoration on the tsuba was added later.  In that case the addition was quite evident.  I would imagine that a similar outcome would happen for your tsuba but it might not.  For what it's worth I don't think you have very much to gain from papering this one.

 

Enjoy!

 

All the best.

[vajo]

Tiger in bamboo is a very nice theme.

I had one too.

 

tiger and bamboo - YouTube

[Japan2112]

Hi Chris,

While its plate looks old the bamboo fukurin seems later. I also like that tiger, and the tsuba itself, but I don't know if I would submit it for papers, and would enjoy it as is.

 

Mark

[vajo]

Hi Mark 

thanks.

 

Yes i think too the bamboo tree was added later or re-designed. Did you notice the closed hitsu ana? It looks nice made with the strokes.

 

The Tsuba was from the brussles paul de coninck collection. He added it in 1965. The collection was sold from Van Ham auctions.

[Japan2112]

Chris,

I like that you are able to assign a provenance to the tsuba. I find that it adds a little bit of enjoyable history to a piece.