Curio Tsuba

[AlexSUK]

Hi all,

 

Further to a previous post (see below), I was wondering about your opinions regarding this Tsuba? It's very worn and I want to understand whether it is particularly old and/or well loved, or simply a poor cast? I've never seen one so rubbed down.

 

Image of blade and fittings can also be found below. should it help the identification. 

 

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Many thanks,

 

Alex

 

[Spartancrest]

I think you are OK with the guard, yes it is corroded but there are several signs that it has been mounted several times in the past.

The design [when oriented correctly] shows two 'rain dragons' flanking both sides in "cartouche" like fields and a 'Kaneie' style background of a village at the bottom with buildings across the water with a lone fisherman in a boat at the top. [I have not seen the same design before so IMO even if it were cast it is likely a one-off]

A view of the opposite side and an angled view in the cut-outs would help to better determine it's construction method.