Unusual tanto tsuba

Bugyotsuji · July 2, 2022

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

Spartancrest · July 20, 2022

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. :bowdown:

Spartancrest · July 22, 2022

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!

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Spartancrest · August 8, 2022

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

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

Okan · August 8, 2022

@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 · August 9, 2022

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 · October 18, 2022

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 · October 19, 2022

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

Spartancrest · October 19, 2022

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? :dunno:

Okan · October 19, 2022

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

Spartancrest · October 20, 2022

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

Spartancrest · October 20, 2022

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 · October 20, 2022

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

Okan · October 20, 2022

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

Fresh one from ebay.

Okan · October 20, 2022

One more!

GRC · October 21, 2022

Spartancrest · October 22, 2022

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

Spartancrest · October 22, 2022

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

Spartancrest · March 21, 2023

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

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

GRC · March 22, 2023

This one's for you Dale :thumbsup:

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

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Spartancrest · March 23, 2023

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