strange tsuba identification

[Yamazakura Fr]

Hi

I saw this strange tsuba with 9,5 cm diameter      perhaps chinese ??

what do you think ??

Regards

 

Bernard

 

[Ray Singer]

There are a number of red flags. My first guess would be that this is not Japanese and is of modern production.

 

[Spartancrest]

Sorry Ray these are indeed Japanese - but they are souvenirs and this example has lost part of its "practical" accessory a plug for the nakago-ana that allows it to be used as a paperweight and should come with a fitted box. I have one and I believe there is one still doing the rounds on the auctions. I think from memory they were made as souvenirs of the "The 26 Martyrs of Japan museum in Nagasaki" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_Martyrs_of_Japan

 

 

 

[Spartancrest]

A current auction piece - https://www.jauce.com/auction/371174105   The size is about 9.5 cm in diameter and about 300 grams in weight.

古い青銅製の文鎮です = An old bronze paperweight.

 

[GRC]

I wonder if this museum tsuba was, at least in part, inspired by this Nobuiye tsuba (in Torigoye book)

[Spartancrest]

Glen the description of the paperweight does say "Nobuie" so you are very likely right on the money.

Does the book mention any sizes? These things are pretty big - 95 mm

I see there is a measure of 1 bu. but that must just be the thickness? = 3 mm

Amount: 1 Japanese bu (分) of length
Equals: 0.30 centimeters (cm) in length

[GRC]

And now that we're on it, I wonder if the "rosary beads" around the hitsu-ana of the unsigned Nobuiye tsuba are actually what the 5 holes are in these late Edo Yamakichibei (in name only) "revival" tsuba:

At least it makes sense when matched with the "rays of enlightenment" on the plate.

[Bugyotsuji]

Good question, Glen. Of course, like with the Amida Yasuri rays, rosaries are/were used in Japan for Buddhist sects too.

[GRC]

Cool, I didn't know that Piers, thanks!

It did seem a little odd that these revival Yamakichi smiths would suddenly show a shift toward Christian motifs.

Rosary beads with Buddhist Amida Yasuri rays makes the most sense 

 

Apologies to "BV" who started the thread... I may have steered it a little off course 

 

  

[Spartancrest]

Its all been done before!! 

 

[Spartancrest]

Strange how the world works these days - here is a modern copy [literally made last week], The design taken from a souvenir and not the other way around!  https://www.jauce.com/auction/m1098404470

This seller has his own little "factory" producing copies [some very convincing] - he is somewhat stuck with his uniform patination, all his work comes out uniformly glossy black.   https://www.jauce.com/user/dj2hmyuc