A series of fittings ( or how not to build a collection )

[kissakai]

Sorry to be repetitive - WOW

Magical use of materials and patina

 

[Bob M.]

Item No. 282   Tsuba in Copper with shakudo and gold    7.15 cm x 6.62 cm x 0.39 mm over plain , 0.65 cm over inlay.

 

Subject of deer, possibly moon watching . Unsigned but attributed to Tsuchiya Yasuchika.

 

I believe this to be quite a well known piece showing very good craftsmanship and decorative skills. The image extends seamlessly around the edge .

 

In the hand, the light reflects off the deers coat in the same way as seen in nature , following the contours of the animals body.

 

Ex Naunton Collection No. 3641

 

 

[b.hennick]

Glad to see you back. We all missed you and your treasures. 

[rematron]

@Bob M.That is a beautiful piece! Thank you for sharing.  I'm very impressed with the sheen on the deer coat from your description.  Remarkable craftmanship.

[rematron]

On 3/28/2021 at 10:22 AM, Bob M. said:

No.17 - Tsuba in sentoku and copper with gold , silver and shakudo highlights  , beaded shakudo rim. 7.0cm x 6.4cm x 0.4cm.

 

Possibly Nara school late18th/early 19th cent. An unusual combination of metals , acquired eight years ago at auction. 

 

Simple , nicely executed design , reminding me of scroll / screen paintings.

I really like this in the way that it could potentially be worn two different ways on the koshirae sort of like a reversible sweater.   Of course, it's also a beautiful work but without a mei it's hard to distinguish (at least for me) which side is intended to face towards the front when worn.

[rematron]

On 3/30/2021 at 12:53 AM, Bob M. said:

No. 18 Iron Sukashi Tsuba depicting a rain dragon 7.66cm x 7.46cm x 0.57cm . Early ? 19th cent. Purchased at auction some 9 years ago .

 

Ex. Clarence McKenzie Lewis Jr. collection

Ex. Naunton Collection Plate XXXVII - No 902 Okamoto work

Signed  ( indistinctly ) Sueshiro Magoyuki . Also -  Matsudai Ni Koreo Kosu which I believe translates as ' made by the last of the family '

 

I cannot find any reference to this artist in Sesko's Geneologies , is there an entry in Haynes ?

Possibly a commision piece as the signature is on the rear. If last of family , presumably last of school ?

 

A powerfully carved rain dragon amongst clouds , with unusual treatment of the scales running down the backbone , most clearly seen on the omote.

Nice Iron in good order.

 

Beautiful piece.  From my research thus far I have read that the mei is meant to face the tsuka.  I like the idea that when this sword is being worn the dragon is hidden but when the blade is drawn the head of the dragon in all its ferocity is revealed.

[rematron]

On 4/4/2021 at 2:49 AM, Bob M. said:

 No. 21 - A Washida school tsuba in Sentoku , details in silver , copper and gold. 6.96cm x 6.30cm x 0.41cm . 

 

Rounded square plate carved and inlaid with a bird - cuckoo ? on an old plum tree in spring . The reverse with a frog next to a stream.

 

Signed -  Yuzenkyo Mitsuchika + Kao

 

A Tsuba for the Spring - again much better in the hand , catch the light and it Glows - very difficult to capture in a photograph.

Fine detailing and craftmanship throughout.

 

Signature published in Wakayama , Toso Kodogu Meiji Taikei , Vol.3 , p.34  ( Tokyo , 1979 )

Signature published in K.Kokubo , Shinsen Kinko Meikan , p.388 ( Tokyo , 1993 )

NBTHK papered

Also in Vol .6 p. 174 Wakayama , Tosogu Kodogu Meiji Taikei ( 1978 ) - possibly an earlier edition to the above ?

 

If anyone could oblige with pictures of the entries detailed above , I would be most grateful.

 

I really like the contrast from one side to the other as far as the animal and foliage are concerned.  Dark frog vs light bird and light leaves vs dark plum and flower petals while shiny pebbles grace both sides.

[rematron]

On 3/31/2021 at 1:43 PM, Bob M. said:

No. 19 - A modern ( less than 100 years old ) tsuba 9.0cm x 8.5cm x 0.5cm . Copper with gold and silver inlays.

 

Closest I could come up with , in keeping with the time of year.

 

I have asked for an interpretation of the ' judgement ' from the very talented members in the translation section of the board , but please feel free to pass your own verdict.

 

The rear of the tsuba is also shown - a little earlier than I would normally post - to give whoever is interested a bit of time to come up with what might be on the front . All will be revealed late tomorrow ( Thursday ) .

 

Please do not worry , due gravity and seriousness will apply again from item 20...

 

 

I'm not a huge fan of contemporary Nihonto but I have to say this tsuba is beautiful and charming and changing my appreciation for 'newer' stuff.  

[rematron]

On 5/3/2021 at 1:22 PM, Bob M. said:

Item No.36    A Kozuka in pale shibuichi , with copper and shakudo , gold and silver details and inlays.

 

Subject of an otter with a captured catfish , next to a stream with bank and sluice gate ( ? ) .

 

Signed -  Kikugawa Mitsuyuki saku - school ?

 

Ex : H. Seymour Trower collection

Ex : H. G. Beasley collection

Ex : Naunton collection - this is claimed by Sothebys when the piece was auctioned in the early 1980's - I cannot find it in the Joly book of the collection . Is there another book / part to the Naunton collection or were Sothebys misinformed ?

 

The otter and other detailing finely carved.

 

The shibuichi has strong ' tiger ' striping when viewed in the right light - I have taken a few pictures at different angles to try and show this.

 

Is this an encouragement to the values of persistance bringing their own rewards , as the catfish is notoriously slippery and difficult to hang on to ?

I like the realism of the feline figure on this.  Many pieces have more stylized imagery which is I enjoy as well but I appreciate the effort here to show accurate to life form.

[Franco D]

37 minutes ago, rematron said:

Item No.36    A Kozuka in pale shibuichi , with copper and shakudo , gold and silver details and inlays.

 

Subject of an otter with a captured catfish , next to a stream with bank and sluice gate ( ? ) .

 

 

Otter, hmm. 

 

Fishing cat - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Fishing_cat

The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. Since 2016, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red ...

‎Taxonomy · ‎Characteristics · ‎Distribution and habitat · ‎Behaviour and ecology

[rematron]

36 minutes ago, Franco D said:

 

 

Otter, hmm. 

 

Fishing cat - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Fishing_cat

The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. Since 2016, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red ...

‎Taxonomy · ‎Characteristics · ‎Distribution and habitat · ‎Behaviour and ecology

Hi Franco.  Oops, I missed that in my glance over the text. lol. Yeah the ears on that animal as well as the torso length definitely say cat and not otter.  I think you are right about the 'fishing cat'.  Makes sense and could easily be a translation error.

[rematron]

On 5/27/2021 at 2:15 AM, Bob M. said:

Item No. 50   Brass tsuba with raised rim , ishime ground ,  gold ,silver , copper and shakudo inlays   8.20 cm x 7.45 cm x 0.47 cm over plain , 0.71 cm over figure

 

Subject of Monkey King , Songoku standing on a cloud , exhaling a crowd of small armed figures who are attacking  / frightening off an Oni . King Oni maybe ?

 

The rear uses gold dust to create the impression of mist

 

With a grass script ? signature Natsuo.  Studio ?

 

Could perhaps do with a light clean   , there seems to be detailing hidden ...

 

Any views / comments ?

 

 

Stunning details and use of techniques to create various effects.  Such a striking and inspirational piece!

[rematron]

On 5/27/2021 at 6:35 AM, DirkO said:

 

Originally Chinese, Sun Wukong (孫悟空) is the name given to this character by his teacher, Subhuti, the latter part of which means "Awakened to Emptiness" ; he is often called the Monkey King

His primary weapon is his staff, the "Ruyi Jingu Bang," which he can shrink down to the size of a needle and keep in his ear, as well as expand it to gigantic proportions. The rod, which weighs 17,550 pounds, was originally a pillar supporting the undersea palace of the Dragon King of the East Sea, but he was able to pull it out of its support and can swing it with ease. The Dragon King had told Sun Wukong he could have the staff if he could lift it, but was angry when the monkey was actually able to pull it out and accused him of being a thief; hence Sun Wukong was insulted, so he demanded a suit of armour and refused to leave until he received one. The Dragon King, fearful of Sun wreaking havoc in his palace, gave him a suit of golden armour. These gifts, combined with his devouring of the peaches of immortality, three jars of elixir, and his time being tempered in Laozi's Eight-Trigram Furnace (after which he gained a steel-hard body and fiery golden eyes that could see very far into the distance and through any disguise), makes Sun Wukong the strongest member of the pilgrimage by far. Besides these abilities, he can also pluck hairs from his body and blow on them to convert them into whatever he wishes (usually clones of himself to gain a numerical advantage in battle). Futhermore, he is a master of the 72 methods of transformation (七十二变), and can transform into anything that exists (animate and inanimate).Notably, however, Sun cannot fight as well underwater. The monkey, nimble and quick-witted, uses these skills to defeat all but the most powerful of demons on the journey.

Sun's behavior is checked by a band placed around his head by Guanyin, which cannot be removed by Sun Wukong himself until the journey's end.

 

Brilliant tsuba you've got there with a lot more than meets the eye!

Thank you for the myhtos detail!  Wonderful details!

[rematron]

On 5/31/2021 at 7:37 AM, Bob M. said:

Hi George , 

 

Yet again , Thanks for your input re Item No. 51.

 

The info you have posted would put the age of the tsuba at somewhwere between 220 and 250 years old , if I am reading it correctly.

 

That is certainly a lot older than I was expecting.

 

Regards

Absolutely incredible work there.  Thank you Bob for your description of the details (like on a lot of your wonderful posts).  I specifically am amazed by the mother of pearl inlays for the dragonfly eyes.  Once again inspiring work.  Makes me want to learn to work metal in this fashion.

[rematron]

On 6/17/2021 at 11:45 PM, Bob M. said:

Item No. 63  Iron tsuba with gold inlay - 8.13 cm x 72.4 cm x 0.47 cm

 

Modern made tsuba by Ford Hallam , about 14 years ago , subject of Orchids against a textured background , reminiscent of Natsuo style.

 

A few views under different lighting conditions.

 

 

 

This is beautiful work.  I'm not sure if it was done on purpose but the orchid under the leaf at the bottom; it looks as though it were a hand lightly holding it because of the single orchid petal which looks like a thumb. Just beautiful. @Ford Hallam

[rematron]

On 6/26/2021 at 1:19 AM, Bob M. said:

Item No. 67 - Iron Tsuba with gold and copper details   6.33 cm x 5.93 cm x 0.54-0.96 cm

 

Subject of wasp emerging from cavity in tree - unsigned ,  thought to be Nara school - any ideas ?

 

Beautifully detailed piece , texturing on tree bark is particularly well done.

 

Bought from an American dealer 10-12 years ago.

Just, wow... Such an impressive choice to keep things simple (relatively) compared to the incredibly realistic and full scale figure of a wasp.  I can imagine a scenario in which if a samurai were to wear this in koshirae that someone could possibly alert them to the fact that a bee was dangerously close to stinging them or, more embarrassingly, swatting at the samurai's swords to shoo it away! 

[rematron]

On 7/18/2021 at 3:00 AM, Bob M. said:

Item No. 80 - Iron tsuba with shibuichi and gold - 8.05 cm x 7.38 cm x 0.38 cm

 

Subject of pine tree , stream and moon , made approx. ten years ago by Ford Hallam

 

A strong , stately pine tree partially depicted with branches and needles . The plugs shaded to represent the moon , reflected in the calmly flowing water .

 

Overall a contemplative piece , with a quiet , soothing feel that evokes a similar response from the viewer , especially when held in hand.

 

This tsuba was the first entered into the annual NBSK competition to win gold for a non-Japanese maker.

It's interesting to see the plug as a 'permanent' pre-installed feature of this tsuba.  

[rematron]

On 7/26/2021 at 10:14 AM, MauroP said:

Item No. 85: the subject is possibly 近江八景 - Ōmi hakkei, i.e. Eight Views of Ōmi. According to tradition, Regent Konoe Masaie and his son Hisamichi, while visiting Ōmi province near Kyōto, wrote eight waka poems describing famous scenes around the western shore of Lake Biwa.

 

BTW, item No. 84 was assigned as ko-Shōami by a kanteisho? I'd rather say Heianjō-zōgan...

Thank you for sharing this possible explanation of the theme!

[rematron]

On 7/30/2021 at 2:20 AM, Bob M. said:

Re. Item Nos. 87 & 88 

 

Additional photos taken at more oblique angles - maybe a little easier to see detail...

For me, these images offer a far better view of the color and texture.  They almost look like different tsuba altogether.

[rematron]

On 8/19/2021 at 1:53 AM, Bob M. said:

Item No. 94  -  Iron Tsuba   64.0 cm x 53.5 cm x 0.45 cm

 

Iron sukashi tsuba for tanto - evidence of being mounted on numerous occasions

 

Has a ' feel ' of a 17th cent. piece

 

Item No. 95 - Iron Tsuba   9.21 cm x 8.83 cm x 0.35 cm

 

One piece iron tsuba thin plate but heavy because of large size. Signed - Yatsuhiro Third Generation Jingo Made

 

This tsuba is made from a single piece of iron with the dimension at the centre the same as the mimi. The metal has been carved away in order to allow the mimi to stand proud , rather than forging a lip on the edge . Quality piece of work as you would expect from the adopted head of the family . 

 

Haynes 02039.0 name - Nagayoshi ( 1691 - 1777 )  NBTHK papered

I'm a real fan of designs like the top tsuba where the silhouette of the tsuba in itself is a form.  I have seen one where the whole tsuba is in the shape of a bird.  I would love to purchase one like that someday.  It would never leave my pocket. This type of expression seems to be rare.

[rematron]

On 8/21/2021 at 8:22 AM, Bob M. said:

Item No. 96 - Iron Tsuba with gold, shakudo , copper and silver   8.30 cm x 8.70 cm x 0.38 cm

 

Subject of bat in moonlight with cutout details of clouds and fog , plants and grasses to front and rear - mumei

 

Unusual Octagonal shape with lots of detail . Thought to be late 18th cent.

 

Bought nearly twenty years ago from a European Collection

 

Item No. 97 - Iron Tsuba  6.56 cm x 6.04 cm x 0.51 cm

 

Subject of bat in clouds ?

 

Am I just being fanciful  , or does the lower cutout represent a bat ?

 

 

Again, I love the different shape.  Bats are not extremely common as a subject either.  That combination of bat and octagonal shape in step with the amazing detail is quite visually striking. 

[rematron]

On 8/25/2021 at 1:52 AM, kissakai said:

I wonder how many 'dots' there are on tsuba 100?

 

LOL. IKR? Amazing

[rematron]

On 8/30/2021 at 1:01 PM, Tanto54 said:

Dear Bob, when we see a wasp on tosogu it is often wordplay (which the ancient Japanese loved).  One of the more common combinations is wasp and monkey which in Japanese are homophonous with “granted fiefdom” and “lord” respectively.  So a monkey grasping a wasp means the good fortune of being made the lord of a fiefdom, but a monkey simply watching or ignoring a wasp means something like “don’t waste your opportunities”.  See the following NMB thread for more info on that theme: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/30375-ishiguro-masatsune-2nd-generation/

 

 

In the case of your tsuba Item No. 104, wasp can be read as Hou (or Hachi) in Japanese and deer can be read as roku (or shika).  “Hou” plus “roku” makes Houroku which sounds like the word for the “stipend or salary” that a Samurai receives when starting out as a warrior.  This makes your tsuba an excellent tsuba for a gift to a new Samurai.  Darcy has another beautiful example and explanation of this theme here: https://yuhindo.com/goto-joshin/

 

 

 

@Tanto54Thank you for these explanations!  I had no idea about the use of word play and imagery on tosogu.  This is a fascinating aspect that adds a whole new layer for me to explore. 

[rematron]

On 2/21/2022 at 1:50 AM, Bob M. said:

Item No. 202   Tsuba in sentoku with copper , gold  and shakudo   7.13 cm x 6.58 cm x 0.49 cm

 

Subject of eagle hunting a monkey. Signed Hirochika ( Haynes 01300.0 )( Thanks, George ) - Mito school , early 19th cent.

 

Fine detailing with tiny inlays of shakudo ( eagle's talons ) , golden eye and shading above the eye .

 

See Item No. 119 for a different version of the same subject by Hiroyoshi , also Mito school.  In fact , both the maker of this piece - Hirochika - and Hiroyoshi were in the Mito school and are shown next to each other in Sesko's Genealogies - it is tempting to speculate that in real life they may have occupied adjoining work spaces also and co-operated whilst producing the same design...

I love the coloring/patina on this one. And it's nice to see that this eagle's beak is unscathed.

[Bob M.]

Item No. 283   Tsuba in Shibuichi with red copper , gold and shakudo details   6.10 cm x 5.63 cm x 0.40 cm

 

Subject of a Tiger from the Sekibun school. Signed Yurakusai Sekibun, ( mid 19th Cent. ).

 

A highly accomplished work with much quality katakiribori work. 

 

 

   Picture lightened to better show detail.

[rematron]

I’m having trouble distinguishing if the tiger is carved into the surface or if the rest of the surface has been carved away lower than the tiger. Either way it is beautiful work. 

[Curran]

Carved in .

Sekibun was very skilled, and particularly known for his tigers.

Just 30 minutes before seeing this post, I had the Sekibun book out for a bit. Nice coincidence.

[Bob M.]

Item No. 284   Fuchi Kashira in Shibuichi carved in Shishiabori.

 

Subject of Guan Yu & Zhuge Kongming . Signed Issando Joi ( 18th Cent. )

 

Important figures from 3rd cent. China, symbolising wisdom and strategy , they are depicted with almost photographic realism on these fittings.

 

Provenence - Ex Mosle Collection No. 951

 

Thanks to George Miller for his help.

 

 

[Brian]

Wow. These really appeal to me. Beautifully done!

[Bob M.]

Item No. 285   Kozuka in Shakudo with copper , silver and gold.

 

Subject of a rat with a sack and a branch . Signed Tsuneyoshi and , unusually for a Kozuka , bearing a date. This is shown as 1813 which would seem to place the artist in Kyoto's Ichinomiya School.

 

A full translation of the inscription would be most welcome.

 

Good quality work , the rat appears to have been carved in a brownish shade of shakudo with many contrasts of texture and detailing shown through the piece.

 

The confident execution of the signature adds to the overall effect.