New collector looking to buy this tsuba.

[Blueduck600]

Hi folks, I'm considering buying this.

It seems genuine and well made to me but I don't see any signs of use around the nakago-ana?

What are your thoughts? Is it genuine? What school? How old? Is there a story behind the theme?

It seems to be a man trying to trap a weasel using a rat as bait. Why? For fur? Pets? Did they keep and train them for rat hunting?

I'm still new at this and learning so thank you for your patience.

 

Photos are from the listing site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Larason2]

I'm not an expert, but I believe it's genuine Japanese. Possibly Shoami school, early Edo. It may have rusted before and the rust cleaned up. The rust pattern suggests it's wrought though. Lovely piece, looks like someone in a fur costume sitting at a trap. Could be a weasel or ermine on the bundles of hay. Either way a desirable animal for fur or a pet. Don't worry there's no signs of use - not all of them were ever mounted.

[Spartancrest]

A good piece, the old mans face is very well done. It probably was only mounted once and not for very long. 

A little evidence of being mounted. But it is just as possible as Carlos has said that it wasn't and could be a 'presentation' piece.

[Blueduck600]

Thanks to both of you for your input.

I went ahead and ordered it.

These things always seem like a bit of a tight rope walk between doing my due diligence and missing out.

I'm happy to hear to any other input on this piece.

[rematron]

I think you made a very good choice. 

[Blueduck600]

Thanks, I hope so.