Tsuba Identification and Value

[Bob61]

Hi All

 

I'm hoping someone can give me some information on these tsuba and also potentially what I should approximately be asking when I sell them? 

 

Thanks

 

Bob

[SteveM]

First one: hammered brass, but hard to say if its an actual forged brass tsuba, or semi-modern cast reproduction. Theme of insect-eaten wood - a kind of popular theme. The small holes in the tsuba look to be holes for wrist-straps, and possibly the designer meant to give the impression that the holes were made by the insects. 

 

Second one: Iron with colored metal inlay? Theme of rabbit on waves under full moon. Another popular theme. This one looks authentic.

 

Hard to value these. They aren't high-quality museum pieces. Personally I find the rabbit and waves tsuba has some charm. 

[vajo]

Bob try to make better pictures of the brass tsuba with a dark background. Its to blury to see details. I'm with Steve the iron tsuba has some charm. Rabbits are allways a nice theme. For the ants a lot of people like insect motifs on tsuba. Better pictures = better price.  (mostly)

 

[Bob61]

Hi Guys

 

Thank you very much for the advice. I  totally agree. Take a look at these, I think there much better.

 

The rabbit tsuba, is quite a good piece, the moon looks gold, but is actually silver. I believe the insert is copper or brass, the rabbits eyes of course, are gold, and there are fleks of gold throughout the piece. 

 

The ant tsuba, is not a modern reproduction, I'm thinking it is hammered brass, there are quite a bit of gold flecking as well.  Hopefully these pictures can clarify a bit more.

 

For information the

 

Ant tsuba measures 9cm L x 8.5cm W, Weighs 134grams

Rabbit tsuba measures 8.5cm L x 8cm W, Weighs 151grams

 

 

Bob

[DoTanuki yokai]

“Inaba no shiro usagi” is the theme with the hare jumping over the waves I think. 

[SteveM]

Or Chikubushima (竹生島）

I wonder how to differentiate the two.