Tsuba identification

[Haganezuka]

Hello,

 

Bought this tsuba from a antique stand at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮) in northwestern Kyoto back in 2020. Was hoping to know a bit more about the meaning behind its designs and any possible clues regarding its age and origin. Designs are on both side of the tsuba.

 

Would appreciate any information available.
 

 

[kissakai]

Is that a seam/line I can see in the holes through the middle of the tsuba?

 

[Haganezuka]

File marks

[b.hennick]

They look like casting lines. 

[Brian]

It is indeed cast. I think more like a souvenir. Japanese markets are FULL of repros nowadays.

[Spartancrest]

Sorry, yes it is a "modern" casting - seams show under the highlighted red lines. 

[ROKUJURO]

I don't think it is cast, casting is a labour-intensive process. To me, the artefacts are typical hints for a modern die-cutting production. It is indeed just a souvenir or meant for use on a IAI-TO.

[Spartancrest]

JL, you can at least be thankful your copy is in pretty good condition, there is another on ebay that is in very much poorer condition.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154886722416

[Haganezuka]

Noticed a lot of copies with the exact same design all dated to the Edo period. I understand that they are all cast copies, but some context to their numbers and history would be appreciated. Research of similar designs show the tsuba has a stylized wave motif with the rising sun on one side with three cranes and Japanese pampas grass on the other.

[Haganezuka]

If it is from the Edo period, as all other sources suggest. What would it be worth?

[Shugyosha]

Not a huge amount. There are lots of tsuba out there and any number of them are of generic design that are unsigned or aren’t capable of being attributed to a school of smiths or individual smith.
 

These are sometimes described as hamamono (things sold at the harbour which went for export) or shiiremomo (ready made or mass produced things). The cheapest here are in the JPY 25,000 - 30,000 range ($215 - $260).
https://www.aoijapan.com/fittings/tsuba/

So, if it were a genuine antique it might be around there, but those others are described to deceive. There’s a lot of fraud about. 

[Spartancrest]

JL. The sacred cranes are a symbol of good luck and longevity because it is said they live 1,000 years., The Sun rise [could equally be Sun set?] might tie in to a popular scene of 'Husband and Wife rocks" at Futami bay. Though there are no rocks shown on that guard and may just be a seaside view. In my opinion you won't get very much for the guard, there are hundreds if not thousands and they only sell by giving false information to unsuspecting buyers. I would keep it as a reminder of your visit  [It is after all a souvenir]- and please believe me, there are very few on this forum who have not owned something similar, though they may now deny it! It is all a part of learning. 

 

similar tsuba sell very cheaply - https://www.jauce.com/auction/h1040306457  for $40 AU. 

[Spartancrest]

JL. Please be aware there is a growing trend of 'proxy' sellers on ebay - they either sell on behalf of another or sell at a raised price then obtain the object for a lower price, pocketing the profit. There are three sellers of the one guard at the moment - you will notice the identical image is used.