Unusual tanto tsuba

[Bugyotsuji]

One like Dale’s above has been kicking around the house here.

 

 

 

 

[Spartancrest]

A bit of an up-date - this guard shown amongst the group Posted June 5 above. https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/tsuba-Japan-edo-zeit-2156-c-521443f8da   Has an intact double in the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Number  1930M934

It can be found in Greville Cooke's book on the Museum,  page 138.   With a little luck Grev might be able to show the full guard. 

[Spartancrest]

Harking back to June 7th - I have found a much closer example to the rim removed Phoenix.

 

 

It is to be found in the V&A Museum. Number M.290-1931   - they can run but they can't hide!

[Spartancrest]

These cut down versions never seem to end - http://www.nihonto.us/MATSUDAIRA MON TSUBA.htm

                                                                         - https://www.jauce.com/auction/n1059180447

[Okan]

@SpartancrestSorry for not responding your previous messages, I was in a loong vacation  I believe our perception now is set to see/detect this cut down tsuba right  

I doubt it but wonder if these cut down tsuba were ever used by a samurai back in the days...

[Spartancrest]

You are probably correct Okan, many of these cut-down examples would be a bit dangerous for the swordsman and I can't see a smart samurai using one that would likely get caught on clothing and be an ever present hand cutter! Who cut them down and who kept them? Something to sell to tourists? [Gaijin collectors?]

An interesting side road to study - like most things the more you look the more you find.

[Spartancrest]

Late new entry- https://www.jauce.com/auction/d1067356293

They do show the side view of the 'stems' but the patina [or rust] hides any cut marks. I strongly believe this guard was not made without a rim, it is just too jagged.

[Okan]

@Spartancrest this one is interesting. Cut marks? (or tourist piece maybe)

 

 

[Spartancrest]

Just looking at the nakago-ana I would say modern cast fake. It is in with three other guards that also don't look correct- I like the description by the seller - " Sword accessories Items like sword guards."  https://www.jauce.com/auction/m1067617040

The question still remains was it based on a "true" guard and did that guard originally have a rim? 

 

[Okan]

Another detailed study, thank you Dale! Maybe this one was based on a victory medal or something.

 

[Spartancrest]

Okan, I would say it comes from something original not too dissimilar to these perhaps?

 

[Spartancrest]

Well I found the original shape of that cherry branch one. There are some slight differences with the decoration so it is unlikely they are cast.

Might make a "forced" daisho?   https://www.jauce.com/auction/d1067356293   https://www.jauce.com/auction/h1056992179

    

[Spartancrest]

Or three? This one with inlay! https://www.jauce.com/auction/t1067947541  - Uniique NOT.

 

[Okan]

Nice one! There are thousands!!...What would you name a cutdown tsuba book if you ever write one..   

 

 

Fresh one from ebay.

 

[Okan]

One more! 

 

 

[GRC]

[Spartancrest]

Okan - not so fresh [just a better image. ]  Book - Serious Suriage Damage? [your idea]  Damnedest Cut!  or how about "Leave the bloody things alone!" 

 

[Spartancrest]

A super rusty one makes five!  https://www.jauce.com/auction/f1068140619

[Spartancrest]

An update of Okan's original post to this thread. This looks like how it probably started off - no pattern on the plate however.

https://www.jauce.com/auction/f1085666913

  

 

old thread but I recognise an old face when I see it. 

[GRC]

This one's for you Dale  

Flat-ish, but rough surfaces are visible on the tips of the petals where it was once attached to a mimi. 

[Spartancrest]

Oh that was so yesterday!  I need a time stamp for my images.   Nice little piece with or without a rim, I can see those bottom curls getting caught on a sleeve though.

 

 

From a few days ago - watching it!   https://www.jauce.com/auction/d1085412988

[Spartancrest]

On 3/23/2023 at 11:34 AM, Spartancrest said:

From a few days ago - watching it!

 Yes watching it go past my play money limit!