Bizen Nakago themed Tsuba - Do any have other examples?

[Jorgensen]

I find this Tsuba very interesting and wondering if any have a Nakago themed Tsuba? I would love to see it.

 

Hope you will enjoy.

 

 

Details:

Iron, octagonal kawarigata shape. The image is of the tangs of swords arranged in pattern around the nakago-ana. The writing is not the artist’s signature, rather the writings are the inscription (mei) found on the tangs of famous Bizen swords: Yasumitsu, Morimitsu, and other inscriptions representing Bizen Osafune and auspicious dates for sword-making.

 

The holes in the top and bottom of the tsuba represent the peg-holes that would be punched into the tangs of swords, but here in this tsuba they possibly also can function as holes used to attach a wrist strap (udenuke-ana).

A unique design on a tsuba that is in excellent condition.

 

 

Video available on website here:
https://tsubashi.com...ne-nakago-mei-tsuba/

 

 

Mei/signature:
Several signatures of Bizen Osafune sword smiths
 

School/province: Unknown
Period/age: Edo
Measures: 7.60 cm x 7.00 cm x 0.35 cm
Certificate: No
Included: NO kiri box included

 

 

[Ray Singer]

I've seen a number of "nakago tsuba" over the years but with the design treatment, folded and layered composition, nagamei + date, etc this is by far the coolest example I've seen. 

[Deez77]

That is an awesome motif Jimi-san. First time I've seen the nakago theme represented that way. I have a more common example.

 

 

Damon

[Spartancrest]

One here I have had on file for years but no information. If you clip off the rim you might get something similar 

 

A darker image found on PINTEREST -https://www.pinteres.../474989091940474173/

 

And another similar - four nakago

 

A page from one of my books showing some very "crowded" versions and a common Chinese forgery.

[Ford Hallam]

Like Ray I've seen many examples of the more usual nakago in a circle arrangement over the years, but this squarish form is really an excellent interpretation of the concept. I particularly appreciate the irregularly shape nakago ana, elegant and subtle touch.

 

The big problem with nakago tsuba, of course, it that I cant see the point , I'll get my coat. 

[C0D]

I restored a badly corroded one some time ago

[Spartancrest]

Manuel it looks like this one - sorry I have lost the reference to which book the image came from. Your guard  [and nice restoration!] is more of a rounded square in shape. You might notice the Chinese copy has used the same pattern as the round one!

https://aucview.com/yahoo/m344765922/

https://www.jauce.com/auction/g1088915649

Chinese fake still being sold - https://www.jauce.com/auction/o1057442849  or  https://buyee.jp/ite.../auction/o1057442849

[C0D]

I think i saw the second tsuba (the one in the red box), i'm pretty sure is done by the same tsubashi.