First questions from Newbie

[GoldenDrachen]

Hello everyone!

 

I am totally new to sword collecting. I started to collect Japanese military uniforms from Meiji and Taisho periods and, as a result, got into military swords theme.

Slowly learning. Mostly observing and reading.

And, of course, questions, questions, questions.

 

I bought recently a sword from Japan, mostly to test if shipping of sword fitting etc. is possible to Ireland at all.

The sword has a wooden blade, but some fittings are interesting, and I would like to know more about them. Just any comments please.

 

 

1. Tsuba - what can we say about this particular piece? 

2. Tsuka (what motif is menuki?), I understand that fuchi i fuchigashira* supposed to match?

 

*) Trying to use correct terminology

 

Regards

Vitaly

 

[Matsunoki]

Hello Vitaly,

Your menuki depict Peony flowers….a popular subject in many Japanese art forms.

Yes the fuchi (ie the fitting at the tsuba end of the tsuka) should match the Kashira (fitting at the pommel end of the tsuka). However there is one common exception where the fuchi is a “normal” metal fitting but the kashira is black polished horn (usually black buffalo). That black horn style was usually worn for formal court occasions.
To my eye the tsuba looks a pretty basic cast piece ( as opposed to the more normal forged and folded iron examples) I’m  sure others will add more detail….or correct me!!
All the best. Colin

[John C]

2 hours ago, GoldenDrachen said:

I understand that fuchi i fuchigashira* supposed to match

Vitaly:

Just a note on "matching." The style of fittings is often thematic. This means the fuchi, menuki, tsuba, etc. may have the same figures on them or they may follow a separate theme. For example different flowers or different religious symbolism on each piece. So as Colin noted, the fittings will usually match, however that match may be a theme rather than the exact same picture or figure. There are separate threads about this topic on the forum.

John C. 

[GoldenDrachen]

Thank you, Colin 

Thank you, John

 

Does it mean that these black parts are not plastic?

 

 

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Vitaly,
 

Of course not!

Btw: The wooden replacement 'blade' to hold the KOSHIRAE together is called TSUNAGI.

[GoldenDrachen]

18 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said:

Vitaly,
 

Of course not!

Btw: The wooden replacement 'blade' to hold the KOSHIRAE together is called TSUNAGI.

Thanks! Got it.

[Matsunoki]

39 minutes ago, GoldenDrachen said:

Does it mean that these black parts are not plastic?

Hello again Vitaly

I can understand why you might think plastic, but from the images it looks like you have a perfectly “normal” set of fittings (koshirae). Maybe not high quality but certainly from the samurai era. The black elements that you question are almost certainly lacquered horn which was very commonly used on the koi guchi (the mouth of the saya), the kurigata (fitting on the saya for the cord) and the kashira. The red saya itself is simply lacquered wood. 

[GoldenDrachen]

9 minutes ago, Matsunoki said:

Hello again Vitaly

I can understand why you might think plastic, but from the images it looks like you have a perfectly “normal” set of fittings (koshirae). Maybe not high quality but certainly from the samurai era. The black elements that you question are almost certainly lacquered horn which was very commonly used on the koi guchi (the mouth of the saya), the kurigata (fitting on the saya for the cord) and the kashira. The red saya itself is simply lacquered wood. 

Thank you for clarification. I was sure the whole thing was modern.... Good to know, that I was wrong

[Baba Yaga]

I'd put money the Tuba was replaced with that cast one. It often happens (a lot)  for monetary purposes.